Facts and figures about the World Series matchup between Red Sox and Dodgers

The Red Sox, after winning their first title in 86 years in 2004, are now trying for their fourth World Series crown in 15 seasons. Boston won a franchise-record 108 games to claim their third straight AL East title, then beat two 100-win teams this October, the wild-card Yankees in the Division Series (3-1) and the defending world champion Astros in the ALCS (4-1). The Dodgers earned their sixth consecutive NL West title during the regular season, then knocked off the East champ Braves in the NLDS (3-1) and Central champ Brewers in the NLCS (4-3). Los Angeles is making its second straight trip to the World Series for the fifth time in franchise history and 20th appearance overall.

HISTORY LESSON

The Red Sox and Dodgers did not play each other this year, but Boston owns an 8-7 alltime edge in the regular season, dating to 2002. The two teams have met just once before in the World Series – sort of. In 1916, Boston beat the Dodgers’ franchise, then known as the Brooklyn Robins, in five games. DON’T I KNOW YOU? Despite never crossing paths in October, the Red Sox and Dodgers do share a memorable playoff moment. L.A. manager Dave Roberts will forever be a Boston favorite for sparking the ‘04 comeback against the Yankees, with his ninth-inning steal of second base in Game 4 of the ALCS.

THREE KEYS TO THE WORLD SERIES

IS PRICE STILL RIGHT? David Price changed his Boston narrative, albeit briefly, by stifling the Astros for six innings in the Game 5 clincher at Minute Maid Park. Can he come up with a similar performance at Fenway Park in Game 2 (and possibly later) to fix his rep for good?

MANNY BEING MANNY. If Manny Machado thought he had it bad at Miller Park, wait until he returns to Fenway, where the Red Sox once used him for target practice. It’s important to remember, however, that this is Machado’s last chance to pump up his free-agent value, so expect him to do some damage to his former AL pals.

WHICH PEN IS MIGHTIER? In this new era of rotation cameos, the pivotal outs will be in the bullpen’s hands, and the success of the two relief corps is likely to determine the champion. Alex Cora isn’t shy about using starters like Nathan Eovaldi and Rick Porcello in those roles, so the Dodgers will have to be prepared for anything.