[Moriarty9]

Dodgers take Game 1
Two players ejected at home plate
October 17, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Los Angeles Dodgers won Game 1 of the World Series, 6-1, at Tropicana Field tonight, but the big topic of discussion in both clubhouses was the umpiring and a pair of ejections.

Torii Hunter of the Dodgers and Alex Gordon of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays were both ejected from the game and involved with altercations at home plate with the umpire, who a number of players believe escalated both arguments.

Both players are facing possible suspension or fines, according to a source from the commissioner's office, which would be a big impact to both clubs. The Devil Rays have already lost star slugger Ryan Howard for the first three games of the World Series after he was ejected — by the same umpire — during the American League Championship Series. Howard was suspended based on a review of the footage and a written report by the umpire.

As for the game itself, it was an exciting pitchers' duel through the first six innings between Danny Haren of the Devil Rays and Aaron Harang of the Dodgers.

Los Angeles took the lead in the seventh inning with a three-run home run by Brandon Phillips, who entered the game after Hunter was ejected in the second inning. The Dodgers added insurance runs in the eighth and ninth innings.

Harang picked up the win, holding Tampa Bay to one run on seven hits and no walks, striking out six in 7 2/3 innings. Alan Embree finished off the game with 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief work.

Haren took the loss, charged with five runs, four earned, on five hits and two walks in eight innings. He struck out five and threw 109 pitches. David Aardsma pitched the ninth inning and gave up one run.

Game 2 will be played tomorrow night at Tropicana Field with Carlos Silva pitching for Los Angeles, and Pedro Martinez looking to even the series for Tampa Bay.