Game one goes to the Dodgers in the best of seven series
Game one of the World Series went to LA as the Dodgers took care of the Rays 8-3 on Monday night. A 4th inning blast by mega-star Cody Bellinger (yeah, his shoulder looks just fine) put the Dodgers up 2-0 and they never looked back.
After a strong first three innings, LA was able to push young Rays ace Tyler Glasnow out of the game in the 4th and 5th. Glasnow left the game after 4.1 innings after allowing six runs on six hits while throwing a 112 pitches.
On the other side, the Dodgers ace had things going all game. Much has been said about Clayton Kershaw and his postseasons struggles throughout his career, but lefty brilliant on Monday going six full innings and allowing just one hit, and one run.
“His curveball man, it’s tough to hang back on that thing,” said Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes after the game. “It just kept hitters off balance.”
Kershaw should see at least one more start in the series. Another strong outing coupled with a Dodgers championship and his postseason demons may finally be put to bed.
Despite the game featuring six extra base hits and double plays in key spots, the most important play may have come in the bottom of the 5th.
Mookie Betts started the inning with a leadoff walk before swiping second on a 1-2 changeup in the dirt to the following batter Corey Seager.
What’s so important about a stolen base in the 5th inning? Well, it means on Oct. 28 anyone in the country can go to Taco Bell and claim a free Doritos Locos Taco. This is the second time in his career that Betts has won free tacos for the country. Perhaps Betts is the hero this country deserves, just not the one it needs right now.
On a more serious not, the Dodgers were indeed aggressive on the base paths. LA stole three bases, keeping the pressure on the Rays defense and pitching that helped lead to their huge six-run 5th inning.
Game two in the series takes place tonight with the first pitch set for 8:08 ET. Taking the bump for the Dodgers will be be 26-year old righty Tony Gonsolin. Gonsolin has appeared two other times this postseason going a combined 6.1 innings with seven earned runs in those outings.
The Rays hand the ball of to Blake Snell. Two years removed from a Cy-Young award, Snell gives the Rays an excellent chance to knot up the series at one apiece against the star-studded Dodgers lineup.