After the Los Angeles Dodgers took Game 1 of the World Series, they’ll look to take a commanding 2-0 lead on Wednesday night. The Dodgers busted out their big bats in Game 1, with Cody Bellinger and Mookie Betts both hitting home runs. They showed Tampa’s pitching staff what they bring to the table offensively, perhaps setting the tone for the rest of the series.
Once again, the Dodgers are favorites with a -152 moneyline. First pitch from Arlington, Tex., is at 8:08 P.M. Eastern on FOX.
Rookie Time
After taking Game 1, the Dodgers will send rookie Tony Gonsolin to the mound in Game 2. Gonsolin was a revelation during the regular season, posting a 2.31 ERA in eight starts and one relief appearance. However, the Dodgers didn’t use him until the NLCS, where it was a different story.
In two outings against the Braves, Gonsolin gave up seven runs over 6.1 innings, hurting himself with six walks. It’s possible that a long layoff between appearances hampered Gonsolin. Nevertheless, it’ll be interesting to see how long a leash Dave Roberts gives him. The Dodgers likely have either Dustin May or Julio Urias available as a long-man if Gonsolin gets into trouble early. Closer Kenley Jansen could also pitch multiple innings after not being used in Game 1.
Of course, Gonsolin’s struggles could also be attributed to facing Atlanta’s lineup. Tampa’s lineup doesn’t pose as many power threats at the plate as the Braves did during the NLCS. The Rays were also relatively quiet in Game 1 against Clayton Kershaw. However, Kevin Cash will reshuffle his lineup to face a right-handed starter in hopes of sparking the offense against a rookie the Rays have never seen before.
Cy Stuff
In addition to hoping for more offensive output, the Rays will put their Game 2 hopes on lefty Blake Snell’s shoulders. The former Cy Young winner started slowly during the regular season but ultimately finished 4-2 with a 3.24 ERA over 11 starts.
In the postseason, Snell has made four starts, going 2-2 with a 3.20 ERA. However, he only lasted four innings in his last start against the Astros in the ALCS. The Rays are typically OK with using their bullpen to get a bulk of the outs, especially since everyone outside of Josh Flemming should be available. However, Tampa expects a little more from Snell, so expect Cash to ride him for as long as he’s effective.
The problem is that Snell will face facing a Los Angeles lineup that’s dangerous and mostly unfamiliar to him. Betts is 7 for 23 (.304) with three extra-base hits against the lefty during his days in Boston. But everyone else in the Los Angeles lineup will be a mystery for Snell. With Bellinger heating up and Corey Seager having a fantastic postseason, the Los Angeles lineup is loaded. However, the Dodgers will also need Justin Turner, Will Smith, and Chris Taylor to provide some production from the right side, in case Snell neutralizes their left-handed hitters.
Get Even
The Dodgers made a statement in Game 1, but Tampa’s pitching is too good to let that happen in every game. The Rays will also have an excellent chance of getting their bats going against Gonsolin and giving their bullpen a lead in the late innings.
Bet on the Rays to win Game 2 and even the series 1-1.
