Home MLB The Dodgers Tames The Rays In Game 1 Of The World Series

The Dodgers Tames The Rays In Game 1 Of The World Series

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Photo Credit: Jon Soo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Arlington, TX— After their comeback from being down by two games against the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series, LA ignited the first game of the World Series with an 8-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas in front of limited crowd of 11,388.

The Dodgers had their ace on the mound, Clayton Kershaw was damn near unhittable in the early innings, limiting Tampa Bay to two hits and a run over six innings. A long two-run home to right center that traveled 378 feet by Cody Bellinger in the fourth off of Tyler Glasnow set the tone of the game (2-0). A huge fifth inning allowed LA to put the game away.

Kershaw allowed one run and two hits, struck out eight and walked one. He induced 19 swings and misses among his 78 pitches – more than his three previous Series starts combined. He threw nine balls in the first, when he stranded a pair of runners, then threw just nine more over the next three innings.

The three time CY Young Award Winner at one point retired 13 straight Rays before giving up a solo home run to Tampa Bay Kevin Kiermaier in the fifth inning to trim the lead to 2-1. It was the only one he gave up.

LA smacked in four more runs an inning later, just by making contact and was excellent in running the bases.

Betts drew a walk off the hard throwing Glasnow, then he stole second base with a blink of an eye. He then snatched third base — as part of a double steal with Corey Seager, who also walked — and scored when he beat first baseman Yandy Diaz’s throw to home on a fielder’s choice. Hits by Will Smith, Chris Taylor and Enrique Hernandez extended the Dodgers’ lead to 6-1.

Glasnow struck out eight while allowing six runs on three hits and six walks over 4-1/3 innings. He was relieved by Yarbrough with runners at the corners and one out in the fifth inning. Yarbrough allowed both runners to score and was replaced by Fleming to start the sixth.

Photo Credit:Jon Soo Hoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Mookie Betts homered to right off Josh Fleming to lead off the sixth, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 7-1. Back-to-back doubles by Justin Turner and Muncy made it 8-1.

Cody Bellinger made a sensational catch in center field, racing back and then jumping in front of the wall to rob Austin Meadows of an extra-base hit.

To close out Tampa Bay, they brought in reliever Joe Kelly, he tossed a 1-2-3 inning on just 10 pitches to complete the victory.

Clayton Kershaw threw 78 pitches over six innings, striking out eight while allowing one run on two hits and one walk.

Los Angeles leads the best-of-seven series 1-0. Game 2 will be Wednesday at 8:08 p.m.