Three more for four...
The Rays took the opener of the 2044 World Series 5-1 over the Reds behind a big game from Doug Johns and quality pitching. Johns, whose homer total dropped from 28 to 15 this season despite 66 more at-bats, had also been quiet in the longball department this postseason but blasted his first two of the playoffs tonight and singled in a run as well to carry the offense. Dan Gregory was also in the middle of things, going 2-4 with a triple, steal and 2 runs scored. Gordie Ager pitched well and while his line above looks sterling, he was a bit off with his pitch efficiency and had to get a whiff of Cincinnati slugger Nelson Gamez with 2 out and 2 on in the 5th to qualify for the win. The pen took it from there, including 1 2/3 hitless from Satoshi Sato, who has 1 walk and 15 whiffs in 8 2/3 hitless innings in relief this postseason. Jim Brophy, who has been nearly unhittable in his 3 playoff starts this year, will take the ball for Game 2 tomorrow.