“Not really how you want to start out first game,” said Rays manager Kevin Cash after the disappointing-in-so-many-ways series opener last night, which Tampa Bay lost to the Dodgers 8-3.

You said it, Kevin. What was expected to be good — pitching — wasn’t, and what was expected to be bad — hitting — was. Talk about living down to expectations.

But that’s just one game. And living in the sublime climate of St. Pete in the fall, we can watch the game outdoors in supremely socially distanced fashion on the St. Pete Pier. (Info at stpetepier.org/event/tampa-bay-rays-watch-party-st-pete-pier.)

And hey, all things said and done, WE’RE IN THE FRIGGIN’ WORLD SERIES!

So whatever happens, let’s enjoy it. The games continue as follows, all airing at 8 p.m. on Fox from Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Go Rays!

• Game 2: Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Game 3: Friday, Oct. 23
• Game 4: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Game 5 (if necessary): Sunday, Oct. 25
• Game 6 (if necessary): Tuesday, Oct. 27
• Game 7 (if necessary): Wednesday, Oct. 28