The Las Vegas Raiders sent all five starting offensive linemen home as part of coronavirus contact tracing after right tackle Trent Brown was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list with a positive test. The Raiders held practice on Wednesday without their starting five as they prepare for Sunday’s home game against Tampa Bay. Safety Johnathan Abram…
The 116th World Series Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Tampa Bay Rays Wednesday, October 21, 2020 World Series Game Two Notes Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas
2020 WS RESULTS DATE RESULT WINNING PITCHER LOSING PITCHER SAVE ATTENDANCE Tuesday, October 20th LAD 8-3 Clayton Kershaw Tyler Glasnow — 11,388 2020 WORLD SERIES SCHEDULE GAME DAY/DATE SITE FIRST PITCH (ET/SITE) TV/RADIO 2 Wednesday, October 21st Globe Life Field 8:08 p.m. / 7:08 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio Thursday, October 22nd OFF DAY 3 Friday, October 23rd Globe Life Field 8:08 p.m. / 7:08 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio 4 Saturday, October 24th Globe Life Field 8:08 p.m. / 7:08 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio 5* Sunday, October 25th Globe Life Field 8:08 p.m. / 7:08 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio Monday, October 26th OFF DAY 6* Tuesday, October 27th Globe Life Field 8:08 p.m. / 7:08 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio 7* Wednesday, October 28th Globe Life Field 8:09 p.m. / 7:09 p.m. FOX/ESPN Radio *If Necessary 2020 WORLD SERIES PROBABLE PITCHERS (Regular Season/Postseason) Game 2 at Arlington: Tony Gonsolin (2-2, 2.31, 46 SO / 0-1, 9.95, 8 SO) vs. Blake Snell (4-2, 3.24, 63 SO / 2-2, 3.20, 19 SO) Game 3 at Arlington: Walker Buehler (1-0, 3.44, 42 SO / 1-0, 1.89, 29 SO) vs. Charlie Morton (2-2, 4.74, 42 SO / 3-0, 0.57, 17 SO) Game 4 at Arlington: TBD vs. TBD 116th WORLD SERIES • 2020 marks the 116th renewal of the World Series featuring the champions of the American League against the champions of the National League. The Fall Classic was first played in 1903, and has taken place every year since 1904, when the National League champion New York Giants and their manager John McGraw refused to play the AL champs, the Boston Red Sox, and in 1994, when the season ended on August 11th due to the players’ strike. GAME ONE RESULTS • The Dodgers improved to 21-30 in Game One of a Postseason series since 1900. They are now 3-1 this year in Game One, only losing to the Atlanta Braves in the NLCS but previously defeating the San Diego Padres in the NLDS and Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Wild Card. • With the loss, the Rays are 4-7 all-time in Game 1 of a Postseason series. They are 2-2 this year in Game 1s, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL Wild Card and the Houston Astros in the ALCS, and also falling to the New York Yankees in the ALDS. • The Dodgers are now 7-14 in Game One of a World Series since 1900. LA will attempt to not replicate their effort in 2017 in which they won Game One before losing to the Astros in a thrilling seven-game series. The Dodgers’ 1988 World Series championship was the last time that the Club won Game One and went on to claim the Commissioner’s Trophy. • Playing in their second World Series, the Rays remain winless in Game One of a Fall Classic, previously falling to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. TAKING A 2-0 LEAD • Fifty-six teams have jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the World Series, with 45 of those going on to win the championship (80.4%). A team jumping out to a 2-0 lead has gone on to win the series in each of the last 12 occurrences (Yankees in 1998-99-2000; Arizona in 2001;Boston in 2004 and 2007; Chicago in 2005; San Francisco in 2010 and 2012; Kansas City in 2015; Boston in 2018; and Washington last year) and 18 of the last 19 times, with the lone exception being Atlanta in 1996. The Braves won the first two contests at Yankee Stadium but lost the next four games. TIED AT 1-1 • Of the 59 times that a World Series has been tied, 1-1, the winner of Game 2 has gone on to capture the Series on 31 occasions (52.5%). However, that has been the case on just four of 12 occasions since 1993, those being Anaheim in 2002, New York in 2009, Chicago in 2016 and Houston in 2017. The 1993 Phillies, 1997 Indians, 2003 Yankees, 2006 Tigers, 2008 Rays, 2011 Rangers, 2013 Cardinals and 2014 Royals all won Game 2 to square the Fall Classic, but went on to lose the Series. MOOKIE’S ONE-OF-A-KIND NIGHT • Mookie Betts delivered a home run and two stolen bases in last night’s victory. He became the second player in World Series history to post such a game, joining Chase Utley (2008 G1). • In addition, he became the first player in World Series history to post a home run, two stolen bases and two runs scored in a single game. It marked only the fifth such game in Postseason history overall, joining Jose Reyes (2006 NLCS G6), Reggie Sanders (1995 NLDS G2), Bert Campaneris (1973 ALCS G2) and Tommie Agee (1969 NLCS G2). • Betts became the third Dodgers player (fourth time) to nab two bases in a Fall Classic contest, joining Davey Lopes (1981 G4 and 1974 G3) and Willie Davis (1965 G5). • With two stolen bases and a walk during LA’s explosive fifth inning, Mookie joined Hall of Famer Babe Ruth as the only players in World Series history to record such an inning. • The Dodgers stole three bases in the fifth inning tonight, marking the seventh time that has been done in a World Series game, and the first since the New York Giants in Game Six of the 1912 World Series. BELL(D)INGER • Cody Bellinger clubbed a two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning tonight to give LA its first lead of the ballgame. The round-tripper was the eighth of his Postseason career, matching his teammates Max Muncy, Joc Pederson and Kike Hernández for fifth-most in franchise history. Hall of Famer Duke Snider (11) holds the Club record and is trailed by Steve Garvey (10) and Cody’s teammates Justin Turner (10) and Corey Seager (10). • Bellinger has now clubbed four home runs during the 2020 Postseason, tied for third-most in franchise history for a single Postseason. He trails Seager, who has launched six homers during this year’s playoff run, and Davey Lopes (5 HR, 1978). • In addition, the homer was his fourth career go-ahead Postseason round-tripper, tying Snider and Seager for second-most in Dodgers lore. Turner holds the record with five such home runs. Bellinger also became the second player in Postseason history to club a go-ahead homer in Game Seven of an LCS and Game One of a Fall Classic, joining David Ortiz (2004). MV-POWER • According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Cody Bellinger and Mookie Betts became the fifth pair of former MVP winners on the same team to both homer in a World Series game. The explosive duo joined Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent (2002); Reggie Jackson and Thurman Munson (1977), Brooks Robinson and Frank Robinson (1966), and Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris (1964). CLUB 200 • With eight strikeouts last night, Clayton Kershaw became just the second pitcher in Postseason history to register 200 career strikeouts, joining Justin Verlander. Verlander holds the Postseason record with 205 career punchouts. Kershaw (201) surpassed Hall of Famer John Smoltz (199) for second-most all-time. • Kershaw’s outing with eight punchouts and one walk allowed was the eighth such outing in World Series history by a Dodgers hurler, and the first since he did it in Game One of the 2017 Fall Classic. Prior to Kershaw, it was accomplished by Burt Hooton (1977 G2) and Don Newcombe (1949 G1), and Hall of Famers Sandy Koufax (1965 G5, 1965 G2, 1963 G4) and Don Drysdale (1963 G3). • In addition, the start was Kershaw’s ninth career Postseason outing in which he tossed at least 6.0 innings without allowing more than one walk or a single earned run, the most of any pitcher in Baseball history. • The outing was also his sixth Postseason start in which he went at least 6.0 innings with eight-or-more punchouts while not allowing more than one earned run, joining Justin Verlander (8), Josh Beckett (6) and Curt Schilling (6) as the only hurlers in history to post six-or-more such starts. UNIQUE IN THE LOSS • Tyler Glasnow registered eight strikeouts in the losing effort last night, establishing a franchise record for the most strikeouts in a Fall Classic contest. • Glasnow became the sixth pitcher in World Series history to tally at least eight strikeouts while pitching fewer than 5.0 innings, joining Justin Verlander (2006 G1), Jason Schmidt (2002 G5), Bob Welch (1988 G3), Roger Craig (1964 G4) and Ryne Duren (1958 G6). • He became the 11th pitcher in World Series history to record at least eight strikeouts and six walks in an outing, and the first since Hall of Famer Steve Carlton in Game 2 of the 1980 Fall Classic. • Glasnow became the third pitcher in history to have a World Series outing in which he permitted at least six runs on three hits-or-fewer, joining Guy Bush (1932 G1) and Todd Stottlemyre (1993 G4). • In addition, Tyler’s 112 pitches were the most by a Rays pitcher in any game since July 7, 2108 when tomorrow’s Game Two starter Blake Snell also threw 112. The 112-pitch outing also set a career high for Glasnow. CREAM OF THE CROP • This year’s Fall Classic features Clubs with the best overall record from each league for the first time since the Cardinals and Red Sox in 2013. Overall, it marks the 13th such matchup since 1969. Year AL Team Record NL Team Record 2020 Tampa Bay 40-20 LA Dodgers 43-17 2013 Boston 97-65 St. Louis 97-65 1999 NY Yankees 98-64 Atlanta 103-59 1995 Cleveland 100-44 Atlanta 90-54 1992 Toronto 96-66 Atlanta 98-64 1986 Boston 108-54 NY Mets 108-54 1982 Milwaukee 95-67 St. Louis 92-70 1979 Baltimore 102-57 Pittsburgh 98-64 1978 NY Yankees 100-63 LA Dodgers 95-67 1976 NY Yankees 97-62 Cincinnati 102-60 1971 Baltimore 101-57 Pittsburgh 97-65 1970 Baltimore 108-54 Cincinnati 102-60 1969 Baltimore 109-53 NY Mets 100-62 • Should the Dodgers claim this year’s Commissioner’s Trophy, they would become just the seventh World Series winner in the Wild Card Era to also have posted the best regular season record in the Majors. This was previously accomplished by the 2018 Red Sox; the 2016 Cubs; the 2013 Red Sox; the 2009 Yankees; the 2007 Red Sox; and the 1998 Yankees. THE MANAGERS Kevin Cash is in his sixth full season with the Rays, and is making his first appearance in the Fall Classic. • Cash has guided the Rays to a 454-416 (.522) record during his six years at the helm. • Cash became the fifth manager in Rays history and is already the second-longest tenured behind only Joe Maddon (2006-14).
Across Baseball, is the third-longest tenured manager with his current team behind Oakland’s Bob Melvin (9) and Cleveland’s Terry Francona (8). • Finished third in 2018 and 2019 AL Manager of the Year voting. Was behind Rocco Baldelli (MIN) and Aaron Boone (NYY) in 2019, and Bob Melvin (OAK) and Alex Cora (BOS) in 2018. • At age-41 during the 2019 season, became the youngest AL East manger to lead his team to the Postseason since 1995, when Buck Showalter of the Yankees (age 39) and Kevin Kennedy of the Red Sox (age 41) both accomplished the feat. • Played eight seasons at the Major League level across stints with the Blue Jays (2002-04), Rays (2005), Red Sox (2007-08), Yankees (2009), Astros (2010) and Red Sox (2010). Dave Roberts is in his fifth season as manager of the Dodgers, and has made an appearance in each Postseason as skipper. • Roberts piloted the Dodgers to a 436-273 (.615) record across his five seasons at the helm. • Prior to being named manager of the Club in 2016, Roberts lost his lone game as interim manager of the San Diego Padres in 2015. • Is the first manager in Baseball history to guide the Dodgers to the Postseason in each of his first five seasons with the Club. • Roberts’ Dodgers won a franchise-record 106 game during the 2019 season. • In his first season as manager in 2016, was named NL Manager of the Year, joining Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda (1983, 88) as the only managers in Club history to win the award since its inception in 1983. • Across 10 Major League seasons, played for the Indians (1999-2001), Dodgers (2002-04), Red Sox (2004), Padres (2005-06) and Giants (2007-08). GAME TWO STARTERS GONSOLIN: Has made just two career Postseason appearances, both occurring during this current playoff run. Lost his lone decision, while posting eight strikeouts, six walks and a 9.95 ERA over 6.1 innings pitched. • Gonsolin started Game Two of the NLCS vs. Atlanta (7-8 loss) and made a relief appearance in Game Seven of the NLCS vs. Atlanta (4-3 win). • Tony’s seven strikeout-performance in his first career Postseason appearance in Game Two of the NLCS matched Walker Buehler for the third-most in a playoff debut in franchise history, trailing Don Newcombe (11 SO, 1949 WS G1) and Tim Belcher (10 SO, 1988 NLCS G2). • During the regular season, Gonsolin posted a 2-2 record with 46 punchouts, seven walks, 32 hits and a 2.31 ERA across nine appearances (including eight starts) and 46.2 innings. • Across his first five starts of the 2020 campaign, recorded a 0.76 ERA and 25:5 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 23.2 innings pitched. • Has made one career appearance against the Rays, throwing 2.0 innings of relief on September 18, 2019. Surrendered two earned runs while notching two strikeouts and three walks. • No Rays player currently on their World Series roster has logged more than one at-bat against Gonsolin, nor has any registered a hit. Joey Wendle, Hunter Renfroe, Manuel Margot and Nate Lowe are all 0-for-1 (.000). Austin Meadows, Ji-Man Choi and Willy Adames each drew a walk in their lone appearances against Tony. SNELL: Across seven career Postseason appearances, including five starts, Blake is 2-3 with 26 strikeouts, 10 walks and a 2.88 ERA over 25.0 innings pitched. • Has made four starts during the 2020 Postseason, going 2-2 with a 3.20 ERA and a 19:10 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 19.2 innings of work. Has surrendered four home runs and 16 hits. • Snell started Game One of the AL Wild Card vs. Toronto (3-1 win); Game One of the ALDS vs. NY Yankees (3-9 loss); Game One of the ALCS vs. Houston (2-1 win); and Game Six of the ALCS vs. Houston (4-7 loss). • During the regular season, Snell delivered a 4-2 record with 63 punchouts, 18 walks, 42 hits and a 3.24 ERA over 11 starts and 50.0 innings. • Posted his strongest month of the 2020 campaign in August, winning each of his three decisions with a 2.66 ERA in five starts. Collected 28 strikeouts while allowing 16 hits over 23.2 innings of action. • Has made one career start against the Dodgers. On September 17, 2019, retired all six batters he faced with four strikeouts after returning from the Injured List. • Mookie Betts has logged the most career at-bats against Snell, batting 7-for-23 (.304) with two doubles, a home run and six RBI. Chris Taylor, AJ Pollock, Max Muncy, Cody Bellinger and Kike Hernández are all 0-for-1 (.000). FAMILIAR TERRITORY • The Los Angeles Dodgers secured their 21st NL Pennant in franchise history, the most of any NL Club and secondmost all-time behind the Yankees (40). • The Dodgers became just the second team since 1969 to represent the NL in the World Series three times across four Postseasons (2017-18, 2020), joining the Atlanta Braves, who earned four NL Pennants across five Postseasons from 1991-96 (excluding 1993). RELATIVE NEWCOMERS • The Tampa Bay Rays are appearing in just their second World Series in franchise history. In their lone appearance in 2008, the Rays were defeated by the Phillies in five games. COMING IN HOT • The Dodgers won three consecutive games while facing elimination to win the NLCS, marking the second time that the Clubs has accomplished the feat during a Postseason series. During the 1981 NLDS against the Houston Astros, the Dodgers won three straight after falling behind two game-to-none in the best-of-five series. • The Dodgers became the eighth team in Postseason history to accomplish the feat in a best-of-seven LCS series, joining the 2012 Giants; the 2007 Red Sox; the 2004 Red Sox (4); the 2003 Marlins; the 1996 Braves; the 1986 Red Sox; and the 1985 Royals. TAKING THE LONG ROUTE • This year’s ALCS marked just the second in Major League history to feature a decisive Game 7 after one Club held a 3-0 series lead. The 2004 ALCS was the only other such occurrence, which saw the Boston Red Sox complete the series comeback against the New York Yankees en route to their World Series crown. • Following a sweep of the Blue Jays, the Rays required five games to defeat the Yankees in the ALDS and all seven games against the Astros to advance to the Fall Classic. Game Two Notes – Wednesday, October 21, 2020 The Rays became the ninth Club in Postseason history to play a “winner-take-all” game in both the Division Series and Championship Series, joining the 2017 Yankees; the 2012 Giants; the 2012 Cardinals; the 2004 Astros; the 2003 Cubs; the 2003 Red Sox; the 1981 Dodgers; and the 1981 Expos. TITLE TOWN(S) USA • Both cities of Los Angeles and Tampa Bay enter the 2020 Fall Classic having already secured a championship in one of the other ‘Big Four’ professional sports. The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Miami Heat to claim the NBA’s Larry O’Brien Trophy, while the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Dallas Stars to garner the Stanley Cup. • Should the Dodgers emerge victorious from this year’s Fall Classic, it would mark the first time since 1988 that Los Angeles enjoyed a pair of champions in the same year. The City of LA became the first and still is only city to have the NBA champion and World Series champion in the same year. It is worth noting that in 2002, the Anaheim Angels and Lakers also both won their respective championships. • Tampa Bay is vying to become just the third city in history to have a World Series champion and Stanley Cup champion in the same year. The feat was accomplished by New York twice – first in 1928 with the New York Yankees and New York Rangers, and again in 1933 with the New York Giants and New York Rangers. COAST TO COAST • For the fifth time since Major League Baseball began the six-division format in 1994, the Fall Classic is featuring teams from the NL West and the AL East. • The Red Sox defeated the Dodgers in 2018; the Red Sox defeated the Rockies in 2007; the Diamondbacks defeated the Yankees in 2001; and the Yankees defeated the Padres in 1998. BEEN HERE BEFORE Of the 56 players that were on the Dodgers and Rays LCS rosters, 18 have previous World Series experience, including 17 from the Dodgers. • Los Angeles: Pedro Báez (2018 Dodgers), Austin Barnes (2017-18 Dodgers), Cody Bellinger (2017-18 Dodgers), Mookie Betts (2018 Red Sox), Walker Buehler (2018 Dodgers), Dylan Floro (2018 Dodgers), Kiké Hernández (2017-18 Dodgers), Kenley Jansen (2017-18 Dodgers), Joe Kelly (2013 Cardinals, 2018 Red Sox), Clayton Kershaw (2017-18 Dodgers), Max Muncy (2018 Dodgers), Joc Pederson (2017-18 Dodgers), Corey Seager (2017 Dodgers), Chris Taylor (2017-18 Dodgers), Justin Turner (2017-18 Dodgers), Julio Urías (2018 Dodgers), Alex Wood (2017-18 Dodgers) • Tampa Bay: Charlie Morton (2017 Astros) ALL AROUND THE WORLD • According to each Club’s WS rosters, the teams combine for 15 foreign-born players. The 15 players hail from the Dominican Republic (four – Willy Adames, Pedro Báez, Diego Castillo, Manuel Margot); Puerto Rico (three – Kiké Hernández, Michael Perez, Edwin Ríos); Cuba (two – Randy Arozarena, Yandy Díaz); Mexico (two – Victor González, Julio Urías); Curaçao (one – Kenley Jansen); Japan (one – Yoshitomo Tsutsugo); South Korea (one – JiMan Choi); and Venezuela (one – Brusdar Graterol). WORLD SERIES UMPIRES • Bill Miller will serve as primary Crew Chief for the umpires in the 2020 World Series, and this will be the fourth Fall Classic for Miller (2010, 13, 17). Miller, who will be off for Game Two, will be joined by (with Game Two Assignments and number of World Series appearances, including 2020) Laz Diaz (RF, third), Chris Guccione (1B, second), Marvin Hudson (2B, second), Jerry Meals (3B, second), Mark Carlson (LF, second) and Todd Tichenor (HP, first). Meals will serve as the crew chief in Game Two of the World Series. The Replay Official during the World Series will be Major League Umpire Adrian Johnson, who will be assisted by Major League Umpire David Rackley. MLB is deeply saddened by the passing of 34-year Major League Umpire Derryl Cousins at the age of 74. The Californian worked nearly 4,500 games and three World Series (1988, 1999, 2005) and was behind the plate for White Sox clincher in 2005.
OCTOBER 21st IN BASEBALL HISTORY Today in Baseball history, several notable feats: • In 1973, The Oakland A’s capture their second consecutive World Championship with a 5-2 win over the New York Mets in Game 7 as Reggie Jackson and Bert Campaneris both hit key two-run home runs for Oakland. • In 1975, Boston Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk hits one of the most memorable home runs in Major League history with a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 12th inning of Game 6 at Fenway Park to force a seventh game against the Cincinnati Reds. • In 1980, the Philadelphia Phillies win their first World Series in their 98-year history, defeating the Kansas City Royals 4-1 in Game 6 at Veterans Stadium. Phillies hurler Steve Carlton holds the Royals to just four hits over seven innings of work. • In 2000, the New York Yankees defeat the New York Mets in Game 1 of the Subway Series in the four-hour, 51-minute thriller, the longest World Series game ever played to that point. José Vizcaino’s two-out single in the 12th inning gives the Yankees a 4-3 win and their 13th consecutive Fall Classic victory. • In 2006, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Anthony Reyes defeats Detroit Tigers hurler Justin Verlander in the first World Series game started by two rookie pitchers. Reyes allows just two runs and four hits with five strikeouts over eight innings in the 7-2 win. Game Two Notes – Wednesday, October 21, 2020
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If the baseball fans of New England hadn’t already been experiencing enough anguish watching Mookie Betts spearhead a postseason run in Dodger blue, Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday night probably made them even sicker. Betts became the first player in World Series history to score two runs, steal two bases and hit…
The 116th World Series Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday, October 20, 2020 World Series Game 1 – Postgame Notes Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas
First Pitch: 7:11 p.m CT. Gametime Temperature: 82 degrees Tonight’s Attendance: 11,388 Time of Game: 3:24 PITCHING LINES LA DODGERS IP H R ER BB-I SO HR WP BF Pitches/Strikes Clayton Kershaw 6.0 2 1 1 1-0 8 1 0 21 78/53 Dylan Floro 0.1 2 2 2 0-0 1 0 0 3 15/8 Victor González 0.2 2 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 3 14/7 Pedro Báez 1.0 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 3 11/7 Joe Kelly 1.0 0 0 0 0-0 1 0 0 3 10/5 TAMPA BAY IP H R ER BB-I SO HR WP BF Pitches/Strikes Tyler Glasnow (L) 4.1 3 6 6 6-0 8 1 1 23 112/58 Ryan Yarbrough 0.2 2 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 4 19/13 Josh Fleming 2.2 5 2 2 1-0 2 1 0 13 40/25 John Curtiss 0.1 0 0 0 0-0 1 0 0 1 3/3
FIRST GAME WINNERS • The winner of the first game of the World Series has gone on to win the Fall Classic 72 times (62.6%). That has been the case in 14 of the last 17 and 19 of the last 22 World Series beginning in 1997, with 2002 (San Francisco defeating Anaheim), 2009 (Philadelphia defeating New York), 2016 (Cleveland defeating Chicago) and 2017 (Los Angeles defeating Houston) the exceptions. • It has also occurred in 21 of the last 26 and 26 of the last 31 Series. In addition to San Francisco, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Los Angeles, the only other exceptions in the last 31 Fall Classics were both by Atlanta, first game winners versus Toronto in 1992 and New York in 1996, but losers of each Series in six games. • In 21 of the last 34 Series beginning in 1985, the winner of Game One of the World Series has also won Game, the exceptions being 1992 (Toronto over Atlanta), 1993 (Philadelphia over Toronto), 1997 (Cleveland over Florida), 2002 (Anaheim over San Francisco), 2003 (New York over Florida), 2006 (Detroit over St. Louis), 2008 (Tampa Bay over Philadelphia), 2009 (New York over Philadelphia), 2011 (Texas over St. Louis), 2013 (St. Louis over Boston), 2014 (Kansas City over San Francisco), 2016 (Chicago over Cleveland) and 2017 (Houston over Los Angeles). GAME ONE RESULTS • The Dodgers improved to 21-30 in Game One of a Postseason series since 1900. They are now 3-1 this year in Game One, only losing to the Atlanta Braves in the NLCS but previously defeating the San Diego Padres in the NLDS and Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Wild Card. • With the loss, the Rays are 4-7 all-time in Game 1 of a Postseason series. They are 2-2 this year in Game 1s, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL Wild Card and the Houston Astros in the ALCS, and also falling to the New York Yankees in the ALDS.
• The Dodgers are now 7-14 in Game One of a World Series since 1900. LA will attempt to not replicate their effort in 2017 in which they won Game One before losing to the Astros in a thrilling seven-game series. The Dodgers’ 1988 World Series championship was the last time that the Club won Game One and went on to claim the Commissioner’s Trophy. • Playing in their second World Series, the Rays remain winless in Game One of a Fall Classic, previously falling to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. TAKING A 2-0 LEAD • Fifty-six teams have jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the World Series, with 45 of those going on to win the championship (80.4%). A team jumping out to a 2-0 lead has gone on to win the series in each of the last 12 occurrences (Yankees in 1998-99-2000; Arizona in 2001;Boston in 2004 and 2007; Chicago in 2005; San Francisco in 2010 and 2012; Kansas City in 2015; Boston in 2018; and Washington last year) and 18 of the last 19 times, with the lone exception being Atlanta in 1996. The Braves won the first two contests at Yankee Stadium but lost the next four games. TIED AT 1-1 • Of the 59 times that a World Series has been tied, 1-1, the winner of Game 2 has gone on to capture the Series on 31 occasions (52.5%). However, that has been the case on just four of 12 occasions since 1993, those being Anaheim in 2002, New York in 2009, Chicago in 2016 and Houston in 2017. The 1993 Phillies, 1997 Indians, 2003 Yankees, 2006 Tigers, 2008 Rays, 2011 Rangers, 2013 Cardinals and 2014 Royals all won Game 2 to square the Fall Classic, but went on to lose the Series. MOOKIE TIME • Mookie Betts delivered a home run, two runs scored and two stolen bases in tonight’s victory. He became the second player in World Series history to post such a game, joining Chase Utley (2008 G1). • Moreover, he became the first player in World Series history to post a home run, two stolen bases and two runs scored in a single game. • It marked only the fifth such game in Postseason history overall, joining Jose Reyes (2006 NLCS G6), Reggie Sanders (1995 NLDS G2), Bert Campaneris (1973 ALCS G2) and Tommie Agee (1969 NLCS G2). CLUB 200 • With eight strikeouts tonight, Clayton Kershaw became just the second pitcher in Postseason history to register 200 career strikeouts, joining Justin Verlander. Verlander holds the Postseason record with 205 career punchouts. Kershaw (201) surpassed Hall of Famer John Smoltz (199) for second-most all-time. • Kershaw’s outing with eight punchouts and one walk allowed was the eighth such outing in World Series history by a Dodgers hurler, and the first since he did it in Game One of the 2017 Fall Classic. Prior to Kershaw, it was accomplished by Burt Hooton (1977 G2) and Don Newcombe (1949 G1), and Hall of Famers Sandy Koufax (1965 G5, 1965 G2, 1963 G4) and Don Drysdale (1963 G3). Game 1 Postgame Notes – Tuesday, October 20, 2020 • In addition, the start was Kershaw’s ninth career Postseason outing in which he tossed at least 6.0 innings without allowing more than one walk or a single earned run, the most of any pitcher in Baseball history. • The outing was also his sixth Postseason start in which he went at least 6.0 innings with eight-or-more punchouts while not allowing more than one earned run, joining Justin Verlander (8), Josh Beckett (6) and Curt Schilling (6) as the only hurlers in history to post six-or-more such starts. BELLI POWER • Cody Bellinger clubbed a two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning tonight to give LA its first lead of the ballgame. The round-tripper was the eighth of his Postseason career, matching his teammates Max Muncy, Joc Pederson and Kike Hernández for fifth-most in franchise history. Hall of Famer Duke Snider (11) holds the Club record and is trailed by Steve Garvey (10) and Cody’s teammates Justin Turner (10) and Corey Seager (10). • Bellinger has now clubbed four home runs during the 2020 Postseason, tied for third-most in franchise history for a single Postseason. He trails Seager, who has launched six homers during this year’s playoff run, and Davey Lopes (5 HR, 1978). • In addition, the homer was his fourth career go-ahead Postseason round-tripper, tying Snider and Seager for second-most in Dodgers lore. Turner holds the record with five such home runs. Bellinger also became the second player in Postseason history to club a go-ahead homer in Game Seven of an LCS and Game One of a Fall Classic, joining David Ortiz (2004). MV-POWER • According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Cody Bellinger and Mookie Betts became the fifth pair of former MVP winners on the same team to both homer in a World Series game. The explosive duo joined Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent (2002); Reggie Jackson and Thurman Munson (1977), Brooks Robinson and Frank Robinson (1966), and Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris (1964). WALK THIS WAY • Corey Seager became the fourth player in franchise history to draw three walks in a single World Series game, joining Hall of Famers Duke Snider (1956 G6) and Jackie Robinson (1952 G5), as well as Jim Gilliam (1956 G2). • The outing was the fourth of his career in which he walked three times, all previously occurring in the regular season (September 11; 2015, June 3, 2017; June 17, 2017). TACO TUESDAY • Mookie Betts stole a pair of bases tonight and Corey Seager stole a base to mark the fourth time in Dodgers World Series history with three stolen bases in a single game (also: 1952 G3; 1965 G3; 1965 G4). • Mookie became the third Dodgers player (fourth time) to nab two bases in a Fall Classic contest, joining Davey Lopes (1981 G4 and 1974 G3) and Willie Davis (1965 G5). • With two stolen bases and a walk during LA’s explosive fifth inning, Mookie joined Hall of Famer Babe Ruth as the only players in World Series history to record such an inning. • The Dodgers stole three bases in the fifth inning tonight, marking the seventh time that has been done in a World Series game, and the first since the New York Giants in Game Six of the 1912 World Series. UNIQUE IN THE LOSS • Tyler Glasnow registered eight strikeouts in the losing effort tonight, establishing a franchise record for the most strikeouts in a Fall Classic contest. • Glasnow became the sixth pitcher in World Series history to tally at least eight strikeouts while pitching fewer than 5.0 innings, joining Justin Verlander (2006 G1), Jason Schmidt (2002 G5), Bob Welch (1988 G3), Roger Craig (1964 G4) and Ryne Duren (1958 G6). • He became the 11th pitcher in World Series history to record at least eight strikeouts and six walks in an outing, and the first since Hall of Famer Steve Carlton in Game 2 of the 1980 Fall Classic. • Glasnow became the third pitcher in history to have a World Series outing in which he permitted at least six runs on three hits-or-fewer, joining Guy Bush (1932 G1) and Todd Stottlemyre (1993 G4).
• In addition, Tyler’s 112 pitches were the most by a Rays pitcher in any game since July 7, 2108 when tomorrow’s Game Two starter Blake Snell also threw 112. The 112-pitch outing also set a career high for Glasnow. HOMER HISTORY FOR TB • Outfielder Kevin Kiermaier launched a solo home run in the fifth inning tonight. He became the fourth player (fifth time) in franchise history to homer in a Fall Classic, joining Carl Crawford (G1 and G4 in 2008), Eric Hinske (G4 in 2008) and Rocco Baldelli (G5 in 2008). ROOKIE IMPACT • Mike Brosseau became the second rookie in team history to log an RBI in a World Series game, joining Evan Longoria, who did so in Games Two and Five of the 2008 World Series.
• His pinch-hit single made him the second Ray to record an RBI as a pinch-hitter in the World Series, joining Eric Hinske in Game 4 of the 2008 World Series (pinch-hit home run off Joe Blanton). YANDY LEADING OFF • Yandy Díaz led off for the Tampa Bay Rays tonight, becoming the eighth different first baseman (22nd time) to bat leadoff in a World Series game in MLB history, joining Cecil Cooper, Mike Lamb, David Freese, Max Muncy, Whitey Lockman, Johnny Sturm, Pete Rose and Eddie Waitkus. THE WORLD’S GAME • With his outing tonight, Victor González became the 10th pitcher born in Mexico to appear in a World Series game, joining Horacio Pina, Enrique Romo, Fernando Valenezuela, Aurelio Lopez, Alfredo Aceves, Fernando Salas, Jaime García, Julio Urías and Roberto Osuna. • According to each Club’s WS rosters, the teams combine for 15 foreign-born players. The 15 players hail from the Dominican Republic (four – Willy Adames, Pedro Báez, Diego Castillo, Manuel Margot); Puerto Rico (three – Kiké Hernández, Michael Perez, Edwin Ríos); Cuba (two – Randy Arozarena, Yandy Díaz); Mexico (two – Victor González, Julio Urías); Curaçao (one – Kenley Jansen); Japan (one – Yoshitomo Tsutsugo); South Korea (one – Ji-Man Choi); and Venezuela (one – Brusdar Graterol).
ARLINGTON, Texas — Celebrate responsibly. His right shoulder still sore from the overamped forearm bash that popped it out on Sunday, Cody Bellinger ditched the forearm but kept the bash, opting for foot taps all around after clubbing a two-run home run in the fourth inning of World Series Game 1 on Tuesday night. That…
Tyronn Lue’s ability to connect with people and to think the game helped seal the deal for the Clippers, who announced Tuesday that the 43-year-old will be the franchise’s 26th head coach, confirming last week’s reporting. Lue was an assistant coach for the Clippers last season, and before that, he served as the head coach…
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