Betts makes big impact at the start
Mookie Betts slid headfirst across home plate, then popped up and did a double pump with his right fist. An inning later, he got to trot around the bases after going deep.
That big commitment to Betts is already paying off for the Dodgers this postseason.
After run-saving catches in three consecutive potential elimination games to get the Dodgers this far, Betts put his speed, instincts and power on display in Game 1 of the World Series. There was a Ruth-like journey around the bases to score — and that was even before his solo homer in an 8-3 win over the Rays on Tuesday.
“Mookie is pretty special,” said Clayton Kershaw, who pitched six strong innings for the win. “He does things on a field that not many people can and he does it pretty consistently, which separates him from a lot of guys.
Betts led off the Dodgers fifth with a walk and stole second base. After NLCS MVP Corey Seager drew a walk behind him, they pulled off a double steal.
“That’s just another element that Mookie brings. He does a lot of studying to be able to create stress,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Then, with the Rays infield playing in, Max Muncy hit a bouncer to first baseman Yandy Diaz, who threw on the run after Betts broke quickly for the plate. He slid past the attempted tag for a 3-1 lead.
The only other player with a walk and multiple stolen bases in an inning during a Series game was Babe Ruth in 1921.
Betts led off the sixth with an opposite-field homer to right to make it 7-1, making him the first player to have a home run, two stolen bases and two runs scored in a World Series game.