Dodgers: Deja Blue in Game One of the World Series

The Dodgers dropped the opener of the World Series 8-4 in a game that was close throughout until Alex Wood gave up a three run homer to Eduardo Nunez.

The Dodgers and game one don’t seem to get along in the past two series of this postseason.  In game one of the NLCS, the Dodgers lost to the Brewers behind sloppy defense and a less than stellar Clayton Kershaw.  In game one of the World Series, the Dodgers were once again plagued by defensive miscues and a less than stellar Clayton Kershaw.

The bottom of the first inning the Dodgers’ miscues started from the start.  Kershaw had Mookie Betts out but David Freese was unable to track down a fly ball in foul territory.  Betts then singled and scored on a single by Andrew Benintendi after he stole second base.  Even on Benintendi’s single, there was another defensive miscue when Yasiel Puig threw home and allowed Benintendi to get to second base despite having no shot at throwing out Betts.

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Kershaw lasted just four innings and gave up seven hits and five earned runs.  Two of Kershaw’s earned runs came in when Ryan Madson relieved Kershaw.  Kershaw struck out five but did not have his best stuff.  His biting slider was missing and despite throwing a few typical Kershaw curves, the curveball came and went throughout his start.

Dave Roberts also made a big miscue when he took out Pedro Baez in favor of Alex Wood to pitch to Rafael Devers in the bottom of the seventh inning.  Alex Cora countered with Eduardo Nunez who hit a three run shot off of Wood and ultimately put the game out of reach for the Dodgers.  Baez recorded two strikeouts and has been pitching well so it made zero sense to remove him.

For the Dodgers they must bounce back in game two like they did in the NLCS.  The problem is that the Red Sox are a much better team than the Milwaukee Brewers.  If the Dodgers can win tonight and split the first two games, they will then get three home games and have to like their chances if they come home tied up 1-1.

Hyun-Jin Ryu will take the mound for the Dodgers tonight and look to overcome his shaky start in game six of the NLCS.  Ryu has the type of changeup that should keep the Red Sox hitters off balance but he will need to better locate his pitches or it will put the Dodgers in a two game hole that they most likely won’t overcome.