Overview

The 2018 World Series was the 114th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series, contested in October 2018 between the American League champion Boston Red Sox and the National League champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The best-of-seven series was widely covered in the United States and televised by Fox. The Red Sox won the series four games to one, securing the franchise's ninth championship and its fourth title in a span of 15 years.

Participants and path to the Series

The two teams reached the Fall Classic after winning their respective league pennants. Boston claimed the American League crown and represented that circuit throughout the Series; for more on the competition structure, see the overview of the American League and its postseason system. The Dodgers advanced as the National League champion; their history as a franchise reaches back to Brooklyn and is connected with the earlier meeting between these clubs in 1916 when Boston defeated the Brooklyn Robins (an earlier name for the Dodgers franchise). For background on the World Series as an event, consult the general World Series resources.

Key games and moments

Several moments from the 2018 World Series drew particular attention. The most notable single game was Game 3, which extended 18 innings and set a new Major League postseason record for the longest World Series game by innings. The extended contest tested both bullpens and became one of the defining memories of the series. Overall the series favored Boston's balanced offense and pitching depth, allowing them to close out the matchup in five games (4–1).

Awards and personnel

Steve Pearce was named World Series Most Valuable Player for his timely hitting and contributions across multiple games. Boston's manager, Alex Cora, won the championship in his first season as a major-league manager, becoming the fifth person to do so and the first manager born in Puerto Rico to lead a team to a World Series title. The combination of experienced veterans and emerging talent played a central role in Boston's success.

Broadcasting, attendance and public interest

The Series drew national television coverage and extensive media commentary. In the United States the telecasts and related programming were carried by Fox, while local and national outlets provided analysis of strategy, pitching matchups and individual performances. Fans followed the series both at the ballparks and through broadcast and streaming options, and the contest added another chapter to the long histories of both franchises.

Legacy and notable facts

The 2018 World Series is remembered for Boston's rapid rise under a first-year manager, a dramatic extra-innings marathon in Game 3, and the continuation of a competitive era for the Red Sox franchise that produced multiple championships since 2004. It was also only the second World Series meeting between these two franchise identities since the clubs first met in 1916, connecting the modern matchup to the deeper history of professional baseball. For more on the Dodgers' organization and its evolution from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, see additional material on the Los Angeles Dodgers franchise and its legacy.

  • Champion: Boston Red Sox (team page)
  • Runner-up: Los Angeles Dodgers (team page)
  • Television: Fox
  • MVP: Steve Pearce
  • Notable manager: Alex Cora (first season; first from Puerto Rico)

For introductions to the broader competitions and histories referenced above, see the linked resources on the World Series, the American League, and the two club pages for the Red Sox and the Dodgers.