LOS ANGELES – Game 1 of the World Series featured a thrilling 10th-inning twist, marking the return of the Yankees-Dodgers Fall Classic after 43 years.
With the Yankees just one out from securing a victory, Freddie Freeman hit a decisive grand slam to right field off Nestor Cortes, sealing a 6-3 loss for the Yankees in front of an ecstatic crowd at Dodger Stadium.
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole pitched through the seventh inning, while Giancarlo Stanton showcased his postseason prowess with his sixth home run in just ten games, a two-run shot that put the Yankees ahead during the sixth inning.
The Dodgers leveled the score in the eighth, but in the 10th, the Yankees took the lead with some aggressive base running from Jazz Chisholm Jr., who stole two bases.
In the bottom of the 10th, a routine double play ball off the bat of the newly substituted second baseman Oswaldo Cabrera rolled into right field, setting the stage for Ohtani. Cortes, who had not pitched since September 18 due to a flexor strain, entered the game knowing he had limited Ohtani to a .167 batting average previously.
Ohtani swung at the first pitch, but left fielder Alex Verdugo made a stunning catch, leaving the Dodgers with their final out. Yankees manager Aaron Boone decided to intentionally walk Mookie Betts, providing Freeman the opportunity to clinch the game, which he did.
The contest had been rife with tension, featuring various lead changes and strategic plays. In the 10th inning, the Yankees went ahead after Chisholm scored from third base on a groundout.
As the Dodgers attempted to rally, a diving catch from Verdugo ended the ninth and pushed the game into additional innings. The Dodgers managed to tie the game at 2-2 earlier in the ninth through a sacrifice fly from Betts.
The game saw excellent pitching performances, including key moments from both bullpens. Cole and Dodger starter Jack Flaherty engaged in a battle for five innings before the Yankees began to find their rhythm, with Stanton’s towering homer marking a pivotal moment.
With heightened stakes and emotions running high, the World Series showcased a competitive spirit, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting series between these two storied franchises.