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Kershaw, Sale both fail to pitch 5 innings in Game 1

Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The much-anticipated pitcher's duel in Game 1 of the World Series didn't live up to the hype.

Both superstar left-handers who started Tuesday's series opener - Chris Sale of the Boston Red Sox, and Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers - failed to survive the fifth inning on a chilly night at Fenway Park.

Sale, making his first career World Series appearance, labored through his 91-pitch outing. He departed after issuing a leadoff walk to Brian Dozier in the fifth inning, with reliever Matt Barnes replacing him. Dozier came around to score, tying the game at 3-3, and his run was charged to Sale.

The 29-year-old surrendered three earned runs on five hits during his four-plus innings, while striking out seven - tying a World Series record for the most strikeouts in a start of four innings or fewer, per Baseball Reference - and walking two. He also allowed a home run to Dodgers designated hitter Matt Kemp.

Kershaw, who was given the Game 1 start despite throwing 15 pitches in relief during the Dodgers' NL pennant-clinching win on Saturday, also lasted just four-plus frames, leaving in favor of Ryan Madson after putting two runners on to start the fifth.

Madson allowed both inherited runners to score, giving Boston a 5-3 lead through five innings.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner's final line wasn't pretty, as he allowed five runs on seven hits while tallying five strikeouts and three walks.

If both teams continue with four-man rotations, Sale and Kershaw would square off again in a potential Game 5 at Dodger Stadium.

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