[Nick Soulis]

Series #20
Preliminary Round



2020 Los Angeles Dodgers
Record: 43-17
Finish: World Champions
Manager: Dave Roberts
Ball Park: Dodger Stadium
WAR Leader: Mookie Betts (3.6)
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/LAD/2020.shtml

1989 Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 67-95
Finish: 6th in NL East
Manager: Nick Leyva
Ball Park: Veterans Stadium
WAR Leader: Von Hayes (5.1)
Hall of Famers: (1)]
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PHI/1989.shtml
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Game 1
At Dodger Stadium
1989 Philadelphia Phillies 2
2020 Los Angeles Dodgers 6
WP: V. Gonzalez (1-0) LP: B. Ruffin (0-1)
HR: J. Turner 2 (2)
POG: Ken Howell (7 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 11K)
Dodgers five run 8th inning

Game 2
At Dodger Stadium
1989 Philadelphia Phillies 2
2020 Los Angeles Dodgers 4
WP: J. Urias (1-0) LP: P. Combs (0-1) S: P. Baez (1)
HR: A. Pollock (1), W. Smith (1), R. Jones (1)
POG: Julio Urias (7.2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 10 K, W)
Urias no hitter broken up in the 8th

Game 3
At Veterans Stadium
2020 Los Angeles Dodgers 6
1989 Philadelphia Phillies 3
WP: C. Kershaw (1-0) LP: D. Carman (0-1)
HR: R. Jones (2), J. Turner (3), M. Betts (1), C. Bellinger (1)
POG: Clayton Kershaw (7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, W)
Cody Bellinger 3 RBI

Game 4
At Veterans Stadium
2020 Los Angeles Dodgers 4
1989 Philadelphia Phillies 0
WP: W. Buehler (1-0) LP: L. McWilliams (0-1) S: K. Jansen (1)
HR: M. Schmidt (1), C. Seager (1)
POG: Walker Buehler (5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 JK, W)
Corey Seager 2 run HR

2020 Los Angeles Dodgers Win Series 4 Games To 0
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Champion Dodgers Sweep Away Phillies
Los Angeles Better All The Way Around



In a captivating clash of eras, the 2020 Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the 1989 Philadelphia Phillies in a best-of-seven playoff series that promised to be a historic showdown between two vastly different generations of baseball. Ultimately, the 2020 Dodgers proved their modern mettle by sweeping the series in a clean 4-game victory. From powerful hitting to pitching prowess, the Dodgers showcased their formidable skills and proved why they are considered one of the most dominant teams in recent baseball history.

The series began at Dodger Stadium with the 1989 Phillies squaring off against the 2020 Dodgers. Justin Turner set the tone for his MVP performance in the series by blasting two home runs, paving the way for the Dodgers to take Game 1 with a convincing 6-2 victory. Victor Gonzalez was credited with the win, while Turner's stellar batting and the overall team's performance made sure the Dodgers started the series on a winning note.

Game 2 was marked by a pitching gem from Julio Urias, whose no-hitter was broken up in the 8th inning. The 2020 Dodgers continued to assert their dominance, with an impressive 4-2 victory over the Phillies. Home runs from AJ Pollock, Will Smith, and R. Jones powered the Dodgers to another win, and the Phillies had no answer for their modern-day counterparts.

As the series shifted to Veterans Stadium, Clayton Kershaw showcased his elite pitching skills in Game 3. Kershaw pitched seven strong innings, striking out eight, and allowing just one earned run. The Dodgers' bats came alive once again, with home runs from R. Jones, Justin Turner, Mookie Betts, and Cody Bellinger leading to a 6-3 win. The Phillies were left grasping for answers against the modern-day juggernaut.

In the final game of the series, Walker Buehler took the mound and helped seal the deal for the 2020 Dodgers. Despite a strong performance by Mike Schmidt, who launched a home run for the 1989 Phillies, Buehler held his ground. Corey Seager's two-run homer provided the necessary offense, and the Dodgers cruised to a 4-2 win. The sweep was complete, and the 2020 Dodgers showcased their superiority, with Dave Roberts leading his team to a clean 4-0 victory.

Throughout the series, Justin Turner proved to be the standout player. With a total of three home runs and a batting average of .357, he was a force to be reckoned with. Turner's hitting prowess, coupled with excellent performances from Urias and Kershaw on the mound, made all the difference for the 2020 Dodgers.

Series MVP:

(.357, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R, 1.000 SLG, 2 BB)