If there was one factor heading into Game 2 of the World Series that seemed to be decisively against the Orioles, it was the starting pitching matchup.
The Dodgers gave the ball to Sandy Koufax, the game’s best pitcher and the winner of two of the last three National League Cy Young Awards — it might be three out of the last four when this year is over — and an ace who has been at his most dominant in World Series play.
The Orioles, meanwhile, went with Jim Palmer, a 20-year-old with ample talent, evidenced by his record this season, but no experience to speak of on a stage like the one the World Series offers.