The big headline for Game one of the 2018 World Series was the two juggernaut southpaws, Chris Sale and Clayton Kershaw, going head-to-head.
This game was the first time in history that two seven-time all-star pitchers matched up against each other. Kershaw and Sale also both have a career ERA under 3.00 (which, by the way, is really good).
The edge for this one was with the Red Sox, obviously. They were at home, coming off a rather easy ALCS and riding that momentum into the World Series.
Another advantage for them was the rest they were able to get because of defeating the Astros rather quickly, while the Dodgers went all seven games in an action-packed, emotionally draining NLCS against the scrappy Brewers and probable MVP Christian Yelich.
Not to mention, the Sox just simply have a more talented roster, especially if David Price and Nathan Eovaldi can keep pitching well like they have consistently throughout the playoffs.
The star of the game was Andrew Benintendi, who went 4 for 5 with an RBI and three runs scored. He was their spark while Mookie Betts continued to struggle this postseason. JD Martinez went 2 for 3 with 2 RBI and pinch-hitter Eduardo Nunez put the icing on the cake in the seventh inning with a 3-run blast into the Green Monster seats.
His homer broke the game open for the Red Sox as it was only 5 to 4 till that moment. His homer seemed to deflate the Dodgers as the Red Sox faithful shook the building.
On the other side, Manny Machado went 1-3 with 3 RBI while Matt Kemp added a solo home run to complete the Dodgers’ scoring.
The Red Sox continue to play their brand of baseball with stealing bases (for the record, Mookie Betts’ stolen base has allowed everyone to receive a free taco from Taco Bell on Nov. 1 between 2 and 6PM), making contact and playing solid defense.
They continue to hush the naysayers who believe their success is a fluke. The Red Sox are clearly favored to win it all. The only advantage the Dodgers have is to hope their pitching can limit the Red Sox potent lineup, and that they can win each game played at home West.
If Game one was any indication for the rest of the series, it’ll be a very long one for the Dodgers and a very quick one for the Red Sox. Baseball fans everywhere hope that it will be a competitive series.