PSO Premium Review: MLB World Series Game 1

1. Clayton Kershaw looks like he’s turning the corner on playoff demons

The biggest story of Game 1 no matter how it went down was going to be Clayton Kershaw. Either he once again disappointed in a big moment, or finally came through when the Dodgers needed him. In the first inning, it looked like he was going to unravel once again, but just as John Smoltz predicted on the broadcast (who Kershaw passed for the 2nd most playoff Ks all-time), getting out of that 1st inning unscathed gave Kershaw all the confidence he needed to unleash his full pitching repertoire on Tampa’s lineup. 

This Dodgers team has been excellent in the regular season, winning seven straight division titles, but hasn’t been able to get over the hump and there’s no bigger reason for either occurrence than Kershaw himself. The best pitcher of this generation looks to finally be the reason why the Dodgers win it all. Another great start in Game 5 would solidify his legacy and cap off his greatest postseason yet (currently 2.88 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 31 K/3 BB in 2020 playoffs). 

2. Mookie Betts is LA’s biggest x-factor

It’s rare to see a team’s best player also be the team’s x-factor since the club usually knows what they’re getting from their star player. However, Mookie Betts is an absolute superstar and LA’s biggest x-factor at the same time. When he does something special, the rest of the team follows. It was seen in the NLCS where Betts was rather quiet through four games, but made a rare game-changing play in each of the last three games, and the team rallied behind him to pull off the 3-1 series comeback. Betts did it again in World Series Game 1, this time with his base running. He impacts the game in so many ways and will be the main reason the Dodgers are finally champions if they can win three of the next six games. 

3. Rays offense is holding them back from a title

As great as Clayton Kershaw was, this wasn’t the first time the Rays bats have stumbled out of the gate. In fact, this was their 10th straight game of failing to register nine or more hits, which is a MLB postseason record. This lineup was never the best part of this team, but its reaching all-time lows, especially without any production from breakout star Randy Arozarena (0-3, BB). Before Walker Buehler steps on the rubber in Game 3, they have an opportunity to get back on track against rookie Tony Gonsolin. If they can’t do it in Game 2, it could get dark for Tampa Bay in a hurry.