The Los Angeles Dodgers opened up a 1-0 lead in the 2020 World Series on Tuesday night, rolling to an 8-3 win and scoring all eight runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. Clayton Kershaw, who had questions to answer about his mental strength in the postseason, threw six strong innings, permitting a single run while fanning eight and walking just one, was the ace the Dodgers needed. The Rays stuck with Tyler Glasnow too long, as he permitted six earned runs, four in that crucial fifth inning. Now comes Game 2, with the Dodgers still batting last as the “home” team on a neutral field. Can the Rays draw even, or while the Dodgers open up a 2-0 advantage in the Fall Classic? Don’t miss our MLB betting preview.
MLB Preview: World Series Game 2 Preview
Why should you bet on the Rays?
Blake Snell, winner of the 2018 Cy Young AWard in the American League, will make his first career World Series start tonight, and his fifth playoff start of the season. In the playoffs he has thrown 19 ⅔ innings, permitting 16 hits (including four home runs), and seven runs, while striking out 19 and walking 10. Comparing 2020 to 2019, he allowed 4.9% more hard contact to batters this year, and his strikeout-minus-walk ratio dropped by 10% between 2019 and 2020. He permitted 1.8 more home runs per nine innings in 2020 than in 2019, and his home runs have also been a factor in the playoffs. His fastball velocity has dropped an average of 1 mph since 2018, and hitters average .326 as a batting average against his heater. He does have a nasty slider, though.
The Rays used Ryan Yarbrough after Glasnow in Game 1, and he looks like the likely Game 4 starter after Glasnow made 112 pitches in Game 1. Josh Fleming threw 2 ⅔ innings in Game 1, with 40 pitches, and would be unavailable. The Rays have a terrific defensive catcher in Mike Zunino, who blocked multiple pitches with runners on base. That defense should continue in Game 2.
Why should you put your money on the Dodgers?
Tony Gonsolin has made one other start in this postseason, throwing 6 ⅓ innings, giving up five hits (including a pair of home runs) and seven runs. He struck out eight but walked six. His fastball is a plus-velocity, high-spin pitch, and he also has a nasty slider and splitter. Fastballs have dominated Tampa Bay batters, so Gonsolin has a chance to knock over some batters. The bullpen could offer Dustin May as a long reliever if Gonsolin runs into trouble again. May had an average fastball velocity of 98 mph in 2020, the hardest by any starter besides the Mets’ Jacob deGrom. May’s best fastball is a sinker that hitters just can’t touch. Pedro Baez is the only Dodger reliever who would be unavailable after pitching for the fourth time in a week. He threw 11 pitches in Game 1, giving him 55 over that span.
On defense, Justin Turner made a highlight-reel play at third base in Game 1, and Cody Bellinger vaulted high above the fence to snatch another home run away. On the basepaths, the Dodgers became the first MLB team to steal three bases in one inning of a World Series contest since 1912, when the New York Giants pulled it off. The Dodgers used Austin Barnes, Clayton Kershaw’s personal catcher, in Game 1. Will Smith will get back behind the plate for Game 2, adding more offense to the L.A. lineup.
Final Score and Prediction
If the Rays are going to make a stand, I think they do it here with their ace on the hill. Gonsolin can bring the cheese, but the Rays have the film on him and should make the necessary adjustments. I predict a final score of Tampa Bay 4, Los Angeles 3.
MLB | Game Details
Projected Pitching Matchup:Blake Snell (2-2, 3.20 ERA) (TB)
Tony Gonsolin (0-1, 9.95 ERA) (LA)
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
8:08 pm ET
Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
FOX
ESPN Radio
MLB | Game Odds
Tampa Bay +120 | Los Angeles -140
Total: 8 -115/-105
MLB | Where to Bet
MLB Betting Odds
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