ARLINGTON, TEXAS – The deadlock is broken, and the Los Angeles Dodgers have drawn first blood in the 2020 World Series. Utility man Enrique “Kiké” Hernandez delivered a sharp RBI single in the bottom of the fourth inning, putting the Dodgers ahead 1-0 against the Tampa Bay Rays in a tense Game 1.
A Tense Pitcher’s Duel Early On
The atmosphere inside Globe Life Field was simmering with championship pressure as Game 1 began. For three innings, both teams were locked in a classic pitcher’s duel. The Rays’ ace, Tyler Glasnow, was firing thunderbolts, leaving the star-studded Dodgers lineup searching for answers. On the other side, Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw was holding his own, masterfully navigating the Rays’ aggressive batting order.
But in the World Series, momentum can shift on a single swing.
Hernandez Delivers Clutch RBI Single in the Fourth
The bottom of the fourth inning saw the Dodgers finally begin to crack Glasnow’s code. After a walk and a stolen base from Mookie Betts put a runner in scoring position, the stage was set. With two outs on the board, the tension was palpable.
Stepping up to the plate was Enrique Hernandez. While not always the headline-grabber in a team filled with superstars, Hernandez has built a reputation for being a clutch player who thrives when the lights are brightest.
Glasnow delivered a high-velocity fastball, but Hernandez was ready. He connected with a clean, crisp swing, sending a line drive scorching into left field. Betts rounded third and sprinted home, sliding into the plate to give the Dodgers the 1-0 lead. The Dodgers dugout erupted, celebrating the crucial breakthrough.
What the Go-Ahead Run Means for the Dodgers
This single run is more than just a number on the scoreboard. For a Dodgers franchise chasing its first title since 1988 and haunted by recent World Series heartbreaks, scoring first is a massive release of pressure.
Hernandez’s hit completely changes the complexion of this game. It forces the Tampa Bay Rays to play from behind and allows Kershaw to pitch with the comfort of a lead. Now, the question is whether this will be the catalyst that opens the floodgates for the powerful Dodgers offense, or if the resilient Rays can mount a counter-attack.
Game 1 is far from over, but this crucial moment belongs to Enrique Hernandez. His timely single has electrified this World Series opener.
