BIG PICTURE

DODGERS

NL West champions return to World Series after losing Game 7 at home against Houston last year. Dodgers (92-71) looking for first championship in 30 years — since Kirk Gibson, Orel Hershiser and Tommy Lasorda brought home 1988 crown. … Franchise making 20th trip to World Series, ties rival Giants for most among National League teams. Dodgers are 6-13 in previous Series appearances, with first one coming in 1916 vs. Red Sox. Last time Dodgers reached back-to-back World Series, they lost to the Yankees in 1977 and ‘78. … Dodgers lost All-Star shortstop Corey Seager to early elbow injury and were 16-26 on May 16. Went from second-most wins in team history (104) last season to 92 this year, and from dominating NL West to needing Game 163 tiebreaker victory over Colorado at home to clinch their record sixth consecutive division title. … Buehler emerged as Dodgers’ second-best pitcher behind Kershaw after starting season at Class AAA Oklahoma City. Limited hitters to .193 batting average while striking out 151 against 37 walks in 24 regular-season games, including 23 starts.

RED SOX

Looking for fourth World Series title since 2004 after ending 86-year drought. Making first Series appearance since defeating Cardinals in 2013. Red Sox are 8-4 in previous Series appearances. … Cora trying to become fifth manager to win championship in first season, and first since Bob Brenly with Arizona in 2001. … In winning third consecutive AL East crown and setting franchise record for wins, Red Sox (108-54) improved by 15 victories over 2017 record. … Benintendi (Arkansas Razorbacks) saved wild Game 4 ALCS victory with diving catch in left field. Bradley had only three hits in series, but two home runs and nine RBI earned him ALCS MVP prize. … Devers batted .350 with seven RBI in AL playoffs. Betts, the likely AL MVP, batted just .205 with 3 RBI but scored 8 runs and shined on defense. … Twelve teams in baseball history have won at least 108 games. Seattle won 116 in 2001 but lost ALCS to Yankees. The previous four won World Series.