Los Angeles Dodgers Take Game 1 of World Series

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw in 2020
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw in 2020. Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/Shutterstock (10961995y)

The Los Angeles Dodgers took an early lead in the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, winning Game 1 by an easy 8-3.

The Dodgers got another excellent performance by their ace pitcher Clayton Kershaw, even though they didn’t really need it to win this game.

Kershaw retired 17 of the last 18 batters he faced, allowing just two hits, one walk, and striking out eight batters. Kershaw did give up one home run to Kevin Kiermaler, but it didn’t matter, because the Dodgers offense was having their way with the Rays pitchers at that point.

Dodgers slugger Cody Bellinger, who hit the go-ahead home run that got them the Game 7 win over the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series, showed up to play again, cranking a two-run home run off Rays starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow in the fourth inning to get the Dodgers their first runs.

By the top of the sixth inning, it was already 6-1. The Dodgers then piled on with Mookie Betts continuing his excellent play and hitting a solo home run shot, followed by back-to-back doubles by Justin Turner and Max Muncy.

Los Angeles is now one step closer to winning the team’s first World Series since 1988.