Alex Rodriguez scrutinizes Dodgers for using opener in Game 2 vs. Rays
Tampa Bay jumped on Los Angeles early in Game 2
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
The Tampa Bay Rays jumped on the Los Angeles Dodgers early in Game 2 of the World Series on Wednesday night and closed out the game for the 6-4 victory, tying the series at one apiece.
The Dodgers, instead of using a traditional starting pitcher, used Tony Gonsolin as their opening pitcher. The opener, which was modernized by the Rays, is supposed to last a handful of batters while the manager gets another pitcher ready to be used. Pitchers must face a minimum of three batters.
JI-MAN CHOI MAKES HISTORY IN RAYS' GAME 2 WIN OVER DODGERS
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Alex Rodriguez, an MLB analyst for Fox Sports, tweeted that the Dodgers made a mistake of going with the opener. Los Angeles started Clayton Kershaw on Tuesday night.
"The #Yankees made the same mistake in Game 2 of the ALDS by opening the door for the #Rays,” Rodriguez wrote, referring to New York using Deivi Garcia in that series.
BRANDON LOWE'S HOME RUNS POWER RAYS TO GAME 2 VICTORY OVER DODGERS
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
“Now the Dodgers are doing it. I will never ever understand the opener.”
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE WORLD SERIES COVERAGE
Gonsolin, who is normally a relief pitcher, lasted 1 1/3 innings and allowed one of Brandon Lowe's two home runs. Los Angeles used seven pitchers in all.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Los Angeles is expected to go with Julio Urias in Game 3. Urias has mainly been used as a reliever during the postseason but has started games before. Kershaw will get the nod in Game 4 while Walker Buehler is set to pitch Game 5.