LOS ANGELES — In a dramatic echo of Kirk Gibson’s legendary homer in the 1988 World Series, Freddie Freeman delivered a walk-off grand slam in the 10th inning on Friday night, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a thrilling 6-3 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series.
The packed Dodger Stadium, with a sellout crowd of 52,394, erupted as Freeman rounded the bases and embraced his father in the stands. “I just screamed in his face,” Freeman said, reflecting on the moment. “It was my Dad’s moment too.”
The Dodgers faced a daunting challenge, down to their last out after Shohei Ohtani’s flyout to left. However, a spectacular catch by Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo allowed the runners to advance to second and third base. Yankees manager Aaron Boone opted to intentionally walk Mookie Betts, setting the stage for Freeman. He capitalized on a 92-mph fastball from Nestor Cortes, launching it 423 feet into right field for the game-winning grand slam.
The Dodgers’ victory came despite facing adversity, including a home run from Giancarlo Stanton and a controversial fan interference call. They managed to exploit mistakes by the Yankees, including a misplayed line drive by right fielder Juan Soto, which allowed Enrique Hernandez to reach third base and eventually score on a sacrifice fly by Will Smith, giving the Dodgers a 1-0 lead.
In the eighth inning, trailing 2-1, the Dodgers rallied when Ohtani hit a double. A miscue on Soto’s throw allowed Ohtani to advance to third, and he scored when Betts hit a sacrifice fly, tying the game at 2-2.
Stanton initially seemed poised to be the Yankees’ hero with a two-run homer in the sixth inning, turning the tide to give New York a 2-1 lead. The towering shot, which soared 412 feet into the Dodgers’ bullpen, was a highlight for Stanton, a Southern California native. “This is everything you dream of in a matchup,” he remarked, reminiscing about his childhood memories at Dodger Stadium.
Game Highlights:
- Freeman’s Walk-Off Grand Slam: With the bases loaded in the 10th, Freeman’s grand slam off Cortes sealed the win for the Dodgers.
- Yankees Take 10th-Inning Lead: Jazz Chisholm scored in the top of the 10th, giving New York a brief advantage before the Dodgers’ final rally.
- Dodgers Tie It Up: Betts tied the game in the eighth with a sacrifice fly after Ohtani’s alert base running.
- Stanton’s Home Run: Giancarlo Stanton’s powerful two-run homer showcased his prowess and added drama to the game.
The victory not only showcased the Dodgers’ resilience but also highlighted their ability to capitalize on critical moments. As the night ended, the team celebrated on the field, mobbing Freeman in jubilation.
Game Summary:
- Final Score: Dodgers 6, Yankees 3
- Key Players: Freddie Freeman, Giancarlo Stanton, Shohei Ohtani
With this thrilling start to the World Series, the stage is set for an exciting matchup as the Dodgers aim to continue their momentum.
