Mookie Betts' 2-Run Homer in the 8th Inning Propels Dodgers to 3-1 Victory Over Rays

Betts' heroics lift Dodgers to 1-0 lead in World Series

Dodgers avoid early series deficit with Game 1 victory

Mookie Betts' two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning propelled the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday night at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

With the Dodgers trailing 1-0, Betts sent a 1-1 curveball from Rays reliever Nick Anderson over the wall in left-center field for his first home run of the postseason.

Betts' homer was the Dodgers' only hit of the game with runners in scoring position

The Dodgers had a chance to add to their lead in the ninth inning, but they stranded runners on second and third base against Rays closer Diego Castillo.

Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw allowed one run on four hits over 5 2/3 innings.

He struck out eight batters and walked one.

Rays starter Blake Snell was equally impressive, allowing just two singles over 4 2/3 innings.

He struck out six batters and walked one.

The Rays took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning on a sacrifice fly by Ji-Man Choi.

The Dodgers tied the game in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly by Max Muncy.

The Dodgers will look to take a 2-0 lead in the series when they face the Rays in Game 2 on Wednesday night.

Walker Buehler will start for the Dodgers, while Tyler Glasnow will start for the Rays.

Betts' home run was a huge moment in the game

It gave the Dodgers a much-needed lead in a game that was shaping up to be a pitchers' duel.

The Dodgers will need more from Betts and their other hitters in the coming games if they want to win the World Series.