The World Series opened on Tuesday night between the Los Angeles Dodgers, representing the National League, and the Boston Red Sox, representing the American League. The starting pitching matchup featured two of the premier left-handers of the current era, Clayton Kershaw for the visiting Dodgers and Chris Sale for the home Red Sox. However, the starting pitching was not a factor in this game, as neither man lasted beyond four innings. Defensive and matchup miscues would come back to haunt the Dodgers in an 8-4 defeat.
Red Sox 8, Dodgers 4
W: Barnes; L: Kershaw
Player of the Game: Eduardo N̼̱ez (1-1, 1 R, 3 RBI Рthree-run HR)
Boston Leads Series 1-0
The Red Sox struck first with two runs in the bottom of the first inning, starting with an infield single by OF Andrew Benintendi to score OF Mookie Betts. The tag play on Benintendi’s advance to second was challenged by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, but the safe call on the field was upheld on review. J.D. Martinez followed up with a single to plate Benintendi.
The Dodgers answered in the top of the 2nd on a solo home run by DH Matt Kemp.
They tied the game in the top of the 3rd on a single by INF Manny Machado to drive in INF Justin Turner. Machado would end up driving in three of LA’s four runs in the game.
In the bottom of the 3rd, J.D. Martinez would put Boston back on top with a double scoring INF Steve Pearce.
In the top of the 5th, Manny Machado came up clutch again for the Dodgers, making contact to bring in INF Brian Dozier on a groundout to first.
Boston responded with two runs in the bottom of the inning on a groundout by INF Xander Bogaerts that was a failed double play retiring the middle man, Steve Pearce, allowing Betts to score as Bogaerts reached first. INF Rafael Devers then singled with 2 outs to plate Benintendi.
In the top of the 7th, Manny Machado drove in INF Max Muncy with a sacrifice fly to cut LA’s deficit to one run.
The big blow came in the bottom of the 7th after Dodgers manager Dave Roberts removed RP Pedro Báez from the game with 2 outs in the inning to play matchups against PH Eduardo Núñez. Núñez got the better of the matchup against RP Alex Wood, hitting a fly ball that barely cleared the Green Monster in left to score Benintendi and Martinez.
Nathan Eovaldi would work an inning of relief before RP Craig Kimbrel came on to get the final three outs for Boston, sealing their 8-4 victory in Game 1.
Game 2 will start on Wednesday night at 8:09 PM ET. Probable starters: Hyun-Jin Ryu (LAD) – 1.97 ERA vs. David Price (BOS) – 3.58 ERA. If you have enjoyed my recaps, please consider supporting the site!
Featured Image: Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock.com
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