San Francisco Giants fans might be feeling a bit down seeing the Los Angeles Dodgers looking like strong contenders for the World Series. But there’s a silver lining—the Dodgers’ loss in Game 4 allowed the Giants to keep a special World Series distinction.
Had the Dodgers won Game 4, they would have been the first team to sweep a World Series since the Giants did it back in 2012. So, take that, Dodgers. Bet it stings a bit, knowing you let a team with Ryan Theriot as its DH win a World Series in fewer games than it’ll take you. Honestly, you might as well forfeit now.
SF Giants are still last team to sweep the World Series
Unfortunately, the Dodgers’ Game 4 loss doesn’t erase their 3-1 lead over the New York Yankees, nor does it change the fact that no team has ever come back from a 3-0 World Series deficit. But in tough times, sometimes it’s the small victories that mean the most.
The Dodgers failing to sweep highlights just how challenging it is to complete a sweep in the World Series—only 21 teams have done it in history, and just 4 of those since 2000.
When a team is down 3-0, they have no choice but to give everything to win. Meanwhile, the team with the lead, whether they realize it or not, may lack that same urgency.
The Giants’ sweep of the Detroit Tigers in the 2012 World Series was especially impressive, given that Detroit was heavily favored. The Tigers had a strong rotation, featuring stars like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, along with a powerful offense led by Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder. Yet the Giants pulled off a shocking sweep, as they often did in the 2010s.
Though the Dodgers may seem unstoppable, the Yankees are undeniably talented. Their 11-run burst in Game 4 might signal that their bats are finally heating up. I wouldn’t mind seeing the Dodgers become the first team in MLB history to lose a 3-0 World Series lead.
And if the Dodgers go on to win, at least the Giants can still claim the title of most recent team to sweep a World Series.
