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Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Cody Bellinger (35) celebrates with his teammates after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the 2020 World Series at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Mookie Betts homered, stole two bases and scored twice as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 8-3 to win Game 1 of the World Series in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday.
The Dodgers’ favorites jumped to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning when center fielder Cody Bellinger homered over the right-field fence.
The Rays responded with a single shot from Kevin Kiermaier, but the Dodgers ran away, Max Muncy’s RBI double extending their lead to 8-1 late in the sixth.
The Rays connected two runs and threatened more in the seventh, but a hard-hitting ball found the glove of Dodgers reliever Victor Gonzalez, who threw to second for a double play to end the inning.
The victory saw Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, who has struggled at times in the postseason throughout his career, pitch six strong innings, allowing a run on two hits and a walk while striking out eight for the victory.
“It’s great to start this series with a win. That’s the most important thing, ”Kershaw said.
“It’s always important to get that first game in a series and for me personally, it’s amazing to be able to pitch well in a World Series.
“I am grateful to have that opportunity.”
Kershaw applauded the hitters on his team, who made Rays starter Tyler Glasnow work every out.
“Glasnow has incredible stuff and for us to keep throwing fouls, polishing, walking a lot, putting guys on base … it’s a testament to his quality at bat,” he said.
After a shortened 60-game season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the best-of-seven World Series is played entirely at the new Globe Life Field with a limited number of fans in attendance.
The Dodgers, appearing in the World Series for the third time in four years, are looking to win their first title since 1988.
The Rays are hoping to claim their first championship after falling short in their only appearance in 2008.
Game 2 is Wednesday.
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