Dodgers win first World Series title since 1988; Los Angeles defeats Tampa Bay to end a pandemic-shortened season

Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Enrique Hernandez celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 to win the World Series in Game 6 on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts celebrates after a home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eighth inning in Game 6 of the World Series on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates with family after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 to win the World Series in Game 6 on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 to win the World Series in Game 6 on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

All year long, from February when the coronavirus outbreak was a concept beyond our imaginations and a shutdown was inconceivable, until Tuesday night, the Dodgers believed this was the year. This was the year those hovering ghosts — produced by annual heartbreak the last seven years — would vanish. This was the year they would add another round of World Series highlights to the 1988 reel that grows grainier each passing autumn. This was the year and this was the team to finally end a championship drought going on 32 years.