LOS ANGELES — In a thrilling opener to the World Series, Game 1 between the Yankees and Dodgers ended in true Hollywood fashion, as Freddie Freeman hit a historic walk-off grand slam, securing a 6-3 win for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 10th inning.
Top Amazon Deals to Grab This October 2024
Freeman’s home run — the first-ever game-ending grand slam in World Series history — came with two outs on a 92 mph fastball from Yankees’ reliever Nestor Cortes. Battling through a severe ankle sprain, Freeman homered on the first pitch, igniting the crowd of 52,394.
“Might be the greatest baseball moment I’ve ever witnessed, and I’ve witnessed some great ones,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said in awe. “This is why they call it the Fall Classic, for moments like these. I’m speechless.”
The moment drew comparisons to Kirk Gibson’s legendary homer in the 1988 World Series, when Gibson, injured, hit a game-winner against the Oakland A’s. “I played the whole game, though,” Freeman quipped, referencing Gibson’s famous at-bat.
The Dodgers’ star first baseman had missed three games earlier in the postseason due to his ankle injury but showed no signs of slowing down, even donating his game-worn spikes to the Hall of Fame. “Actually felt pretty good,” Freeman said. “We treated it well over the past week, and it held up.”
After sealing the win, Freeman ran to his father in the stands. “I was just screaming in his face,” he laughed. “My dad has been there since I was a kid, pitching to me every day. This moment is as much his as it is mine.”
Yankees Strike First, Dodgers Answer Back
In a star-studded matchup that included sluggers Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees made a comeback in the sixth inning. Stanton’s 412-foot two-run homer off Dodgers’ starter Jack Flaherty gave New York a 2-1 lead. The Dodgers, however, quickly tied it up when Ohtani scored on a sacrifice fly by Mookie Betts.
With two outs in the ninth, the Yankees threatened to score as Gleyber Torres drove a ball deep to left-center. A fan caught the ball over the wall, leading to a fan interference ruling, confirmed on replay. Torres was awarded a double, but the Yankees were unable to capitalize, with Judge popping out to end the inning.
Extra-Inning Drama
In the 10th, Jazz Chisholm Jr. put the Yankees ahead, stealing two bases before scoring on a fielder’s choice by Anthony Volpe. But the Dodgers were not finished.
Gavin Lux walked and advanced on Tommy Edman’s infield single. With two outs, Aaron Boone called on Cortes to face Freeman, but the Dodgers star made history with his grand slam, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Looking Ahead
The Yankees and Dodgers are meeting in the World Series for the 12th time, their first October clash since 1981. While the Dodgers seek their eighth title, the Yankees are after their 28th, and first since 2009.
A Pitching Duel, Then Fireworks
Pitchers Gerrit Cole and Jack Flaherty were in control early, dueling through four scoreless innings. The Dodgers took the initial lead in the fifth when Kiké Hernández tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly.
Stanton’s homer in the sixth, his 17th postseason blast, changed the momentum, giving the Yankees a 2-1 lead before Betts tied it up.
Avoid Home Invasions With These Essential Security Devices
Tribute to Fernando Valenzuela
Before the game, a moment of silence honored Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela, who passed away at 63. The 1981 Cy Young Award winner and Rookie of the Year is remembered for his indelible impact on Dodgers fans and the sport.
The series continues with the Yankees looking to even the score in Game 2. As Yankees’ Judge said, “We lost this game. Learn from it, improve, and come out fighting in the next one.”
