In the first two games of the World Series, the Red Sox beat the Dodgers at the American League’s game. Now, traveling west to Los Angeles, the team will try to win two more playing by National League rules.
The main difference in the two leagues boils down to the one position: The designated hitter. It’s existed in the American League since 1973, but pitchers have always had to bat for themselves in the National League. Of course pinch-hitters can be used, but the difference in rules has major strategic ramifications.
This means that Red Sox manager Alex Cora will have decisions to make over Game 3 and 4 (and possibly 5).