Oct 23, 2018; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox pinch hitter Eduardo Nunez (middle) celebrates with outfielder Mookie Betts (50) and outfielder Andrew Benintendi (16) after hitting a three-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning in game one of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Boston Red Sox have drawn first blood in the World Series. They took care of business in a Game 1 that went back and forth for about six and a half innings – until Eduardo Nunez broke it open with a big three-run homer that rocketed into the Green Monster seats.
However, the most valuable piece on the Red Sox in Game 1 may have been the man in the dugout. More on that below in our Game 1 quick-hit thoughts…
— Alex Cora strikes again. This man simply cannot make the wrong move. Refuse to believe that more than a handful of Boston fans wanted to see Eduardo Nunez at the plate in the bottom of the seventh over Rafael Devers, who went 1-for-2 with an RBI and a walk. But Nunez rewarded Cora loudly and proudly with his three-run homer that broke the game open for good. Cora’s bullpen moves were impeccable as well, particularly the decision to bring in Eduardo Rodriguez in the seventh inning and induce a flyout by Cody Bellinger. The manager may very well have been the MVP tonight.
— Young stars come up big. Nunez had the loudest hit of the night, but it was Devers who came up with the eventual game-winning run with his fifth-inning RBI single off reliever Ryan Madson. And not to be outdone was Andrew Benintendi, who went 4-for-5 with an RBI in his World Series debut.
— Both starters peter out. Chris Sale certainly looked better than last time out against the Astros, but he labored in this one, needing 91 pitches to get through 4-plus innings. Clayton Kershaw, meanwhile, continued to add to his reputation for playoff disappointment with five runs allowed in four innings of his own. It came down to a battle of the bullpens, which the Red Sox won decisively. The Dodgers are already way behind the 8-ball after failing to get the win with Kershaw on the mound.
Next quick-hit thoughts come Wednesday night after Game 2.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.