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2018 World Series Game 1 GameThread: Los Angeles Dodgers at Boston Red Sox

Clayton Kershaw vs Chris Sale in Game 1 of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox’ World Series matchup.

By Patrick Reddington
World Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v Boston Red Sox - Workout Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Boston’s Red Sox welcome the Los Angeles Dodgers to Fenway Park tonight at 8:09 PM EDT for Game 1 of the 114th edition of the World Series, with Chris Sale on the mound against LA lefty Clayton Kershaw in the series opener.

Sale talked in Monday’s press availability about heading into a marquee matchup of two of the game’s best left-handers and what he admired about Kershaw.

“I think if you just look at his résumé and what he’s done,” Sale told reporters, “I’ve said it a lot, but consistency, that’s the key to this game. And he’s been as consistent as any starting pitcher in the game for the last decade. Obviously his trophy case is packed.

“And his résumé is on a lot of sheets of paper, but he’s been able to stay consistent and stay at that dominant level for a long time. You see a lot of ups and downs with people, but he’s been at the top for quite some time now and it’s pretty impressive.”

The admiration goes both ways.

“Chris is a very good pitcher,” Kershaw said when asked about matching up against Sale in Game 1.

“He was dominant this year. He’s been dominant for a long time. I enjoy watching him compete.

“American League parks are a little bit different; I don’t have to hit against him. Probably wouldn’t have been a good matchup for me. I have nothing but good things to say about him and the way he competes and the way he’s pitched the last few years. I don’t take much solace in the fact about the matchup, I don’t really care too much, other than I’d like him to not be as good, so we could have a better chance of winning, for sure.”

Through three appearances (two starts) this Fall, Sale has put up a 3.48 ERA, six walks, 14 Ks, and a .171/.310/.171 line against in 10 1⁄3 IP.

Kershaw, in four games and three starts this postseason, has a 2.37 ERA with four walks, 16 Ks, and a .169/.225/.246 line against in 19 IP.

Not a bad way to start the World Series. Sale vs Kershaw at 8:09 PM EDT in Fenway.

HERE ARE THE DODGERS & RED SOX’ LINEUPS FOR THE WORLD SERIES G1:

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