by Paragon Communications Sports Broadcaster Aaron Kauk
Game 1 of the World Series was held in Globe Life Park down in Arlington, TX last night. The LA Dodgers faced the Tampa Bay Rays with hometown boy Clayton Kershaw on the mound for the Dodgers.
Kershaw has been one of if not the best pitchers in this generation during the regular season, but the playoffs have been a different story. Kershaw’s postseason record is 11-12 compared to his 70% win rate during the regular season. After wiggling after trouble in the first inning, Kershaw cruised, throwing 6 innings while allowing a run on two hits and striking out 8. LA’s offense got cranked up in the middle innings, scoring 2 in the 4th, 4 in the 5th, and 2 more in the 6th in an 8-3 Game 1 win.
Kershaw became just the second pitcher in postseason history to fan 200 hitters. He passed Braves Hall of Famer John Smoltz who k’d 199. He sits at 201 career postseason strikeouts, 4 behind the 205 of Justin Verlander. The 4 run 5th got started with a leadoff walk to Mookie Betts, who proceeded to steal 2nd and 3rd before scoring on a fielder’s choice. He became just the 2nd player in World Series history with a walk and 2 stolen bases in the same inning.
The other’s a guy you might’ve heard of: The Sultan of Swat Babe Ruth did it in the 1921 Series. Tampa continued their offensive futility in the playoffs. Game 1 was the 10th straight games the Rays have failed to record 8 hits. That’s the longest streak in a single postseason.
Tampa will look to even the series tonight in Game 2. They’ll send former Cy Young award winner Blake Snell to the hill. LA will counter with Tony Gonsolin.
