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Kershaw starting Game 1 of World Series vs. Rays

Robert Beck / Major League Baseball / Getty

The Los Angeles Dodgers are turning to their ace to begin the World Series.

Left-hander Clayton Kershaw will start Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday, the team announced, according to Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.

Kershaw will make the start on full rest, as his most recent appearance came on Thursday in Game 4 of the NLCS against the Atlanta Braves, during which he allowed four earned runs in five-plus innings. He was scratched from a scheduled Game 2 start due to back spasms.

The 32-year-old will be making his third World Series Game 1 start. He started the opening contest in each of the Dodgers' previous appearances.

Kershaw has made five World Series appearances - four of them starts - during his decorated career, going 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 27 strikeouts, and eight walks. His best start in the fall classic came in Game 1 of the 2017 series against the Houston Astros, in which he struck out 11 over seven innings.

This postseason, Kershaw's crafted a 3.32 ERA with 23 strikeouts and only two walks across three starts. Opponents have hit just .229/.250/.400 against him, though that includes three home runs.

Kershaw will be opposed in Game 1 by Rays right-hander Tyler Glasnow.

It remains unclear who will follow Kershaw on the mound. Manager Dave Roberts said right-hander Walker Buehler is likely to pitch Game 3, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. The Dodgers have yet to name a starter for Game 2.

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