Dodgers Yankees: Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the 10th inning propelled the Los Angeles Dodgers to a surprising 6-3 victory against the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series.
This moment constituted the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history, reverberating throughout Dodger Stadium and solidifying Freeman’s status in baseball history.
Following Anthony Volpe’s fielder’s decision that let Jazz Chisholm score, the tightly contested game saw the Yankees gaining a 3-2 edge in the top of the 10th inning. Nevertheless, the Dodgers mounted a stunning comeback. Following Gavin Lux’s walk, Tommy Edman attained an infield single, and Mookie Betts was purposely walked, creating the opportunity for Freeman’s significant hit.
Freeman, who had been contending with an ankle ailment throughout the playoffs, conveyed his exhilaration after the game, remarking, “This trophy is what motivates you to endure the daily grind… winning a World Series is paramount.” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that the conclusion was “one of the greatest baseball moments” he had ever seen.
The game started as a pitchers’ battle, with Jack Flaherty of the Dodgers and Gerrit Cole of the Yankees, who silenced the opposing batters for the early five innings. Will Smith’s sacrifice fly in the fifth inning provided the Dodgers with a temporary advantage, but Giancarlo Stanton’s impressive two-run home run propelled the Yankees into the lead. Mookie Betts then equalized the game in the ninth inning with another sacrifice fly, resulting in tense extra innings.
The game had several memorable incidents despite the tension, including a near-home run by Gleyber Torres ruled as crowd interference. Freeman’s walk-off home run overshadowed everything else, evoking comparisons to Kirk Gibson’s iconic home shot in the 1988 World Series.
Game 2 is getting people excited. It will happen on Saturday at 8:08 p.m. ET. The Yankees want to get back on track, while the Dodgers want to keep going. Because both teams are so talented, this series should be one of the best ever.
