World Series champions of the 2010's: 2018 Boston Red Sox

*Photo from the Los Angeles Times*

  The 2018 Boston Red Sox are up next in the champions of the 2010's series.

   After back to back losses in the ALDS in 2016 and 2017, the Red Sox shook things up entering 2018. They fired John Farrell and brought in Alex Cora as manager to replace him. That, combined with several free agent adds unlocked Boston's potential. They tore up all of baseball in 2018, cruising to a 108-54 record to clinch home field advantage throughout the postseason. Everything was lined up for the Red Sox to make a run at the title.

   Their journey to the title started in the ALDS against their archrivals, the New York Yankees. The Red Sox were able to hold off a late rally by the Yankees to win game one by a 5-4 score. However, the Yankees were able to bounce back in game two with a 6-2 win. The Red Sox responded with a lopsided rout in game 3, crushing the Yankees 16-1 in their own building. The Red Sox were able to hold off another late rally by the Yankees in game 4 to win 4-3 and advance to the ALCS.

   In the ALCS, the Red Sox were matched up against the defending champions, the Houston Astros. The Red Sox stumbled in game one, losing by a 7-2 score. The Red Sox managed to bounce back in game two with a 7-5 win. Jackie Bradley Jr's grand slam led the Sox to an 8-4 win in game 3, and Andrew Benintendi's diving catch secured a 8-6 game 4 win. In game 5, JD Martinez and Rafael Devers powered the offense, winning 4-1 to secure the AL Pennant and head to the World Series.

   In the World Series, the Red Sox were going up against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who lost the World Series to the Astros in 2017. The Red Sox rolled to an 8-4 win in game one. Game two was closer, but the Red Sox still prevailed by a 4-2 score. Game 3 was two whole games in itself. It went 18 innings, and the Dodgers won by a Max Muncy walkoff homer, 3-2. The Red Sox then rallied from behind in game 4 to win 9-6. Game 5 was all Red Sox from the start, winning 5-1 to clinch their 4th World Series title in the last 14 years.


   2018 was all about records for the Red Sox. Many players set single season bests, and Mookie Betts took home the MVP. They also set a franchise record in wins with 108, and went a remarkable 11-3 in the playoffs. These Red Sox were likely the most dominant team they've ever had. It was a truly special year.