Another Justin Turner home run wins World Series Game 1 for the Dodgers

After another stellar Kershaw outing and a two-run home run from Justin Turner to put them ahead in the sixth inning, the Dodgers are three games away from winning their first World Series since 1988.

The Astros still haven’t won a World Series game in their franchise’s history. (They were swept in their only previous Series appearance in 2005.)

Clayton Kershaw made it through seven innings on only 83 pitches, allowing just three hits, one run, and no walks. He struck out 11 batters, the third-most in Dodgers World Series history after Sandy Koufax and Carl Erskine (who had 15 and 14, respectively).

He threw 57 strikes, and is the first pitcher since 1966 to strike out 11 or more batters in his first World Series appearance.

Dallas Keuchel was no slouch for the Astros either, he just happened to give up one more home run than Kershaw did. He pitched 6 ²⁄₃ innings, during which he let up six hits, three runs, and a walk while striking out three Dodgers.

All of the scoring came due to home runs:

Kershaw could have reasonably stayed in the game for longer based on such a low pitch count and the fact that he was still dealing in the seventh inning, but as per Dave Roberts’ usual strategy the bullpen came in to do the job they’re paid to do, so as to not force the starter too far into the game for no reason.

Brad Peacock and Chris Devenski combined for 1 ¹⁄₃ scoreless innings for the Astros to end the game, and Brandon Morrow and Kenley Jansen did the same in two innings out of the bullpen for the Dodgers.

The Dodgers have yet to lose a playoff game at home this season, and with home field advantage in the World Series they are hoping things continue that way.