In the first game of the 2024 World Series, the Dodgers won against the Yankees 6-3 in ten innings. An impressive walk-off home run by Freddie Freeman, who had been unable to play in the last game of the NLCS due to an ankle injury, won the game. Freeman had struggled with his injury throughout the postseason, which notably affected his swing, but managed to deliver a game-changing grand slam off Nestor Cortes.
In a faceoff between Los Angeles natives, Giancarlo Stanton significantly contributed to the game with a record home run. Previously, Flaherty experienced difficulties maintaining his fastball velocity, but he managed to improve his performance until Stanton’s swing changed the game’s direction. Stanton has a history of this, having performed impressively in 25 previous regular-season games at Dodger Stadium.
Contrary to many people’s expectations, the game was dominated by pitchers on both sides. Flaherty managed to sustain a faster fastball than in previous games making his curveball more effective against the Yankees which changed after Stanton’s homerun. Cole, in his 21st career playoffs, displayed exceptional skill by retiring the next 11 Dodgers batters after a triple by Freeman.
Despite Cole exiting with a lead after Stanton’s sixth-inning home run, Ohtani equalled the game in the eighth inning with a hit off Tommy Kahnle’s changeup. The Dodgers
succeeded in leveling the scores without a hit by scoring their second run from a game-tying sac fly by Betts. Verdugo redeemed his earlier mistake by making an exceptional catch against Ohtani during the 10th inning, bringing the Yankees to the brink of victory.
The game almost ended in the ninth inning when Torres hit a drive off Michael Kopech that reached the seats, but a Dodgers fan interfered. The officials ruled fan interference, moving Torres back to second base. The Dodgers then chose to walk Juan Soto to face Aaron Judge with Blake Treinen which resulted in a pop-out ending the inning.
Despite injuries and pitching challenges, both teams showed great determination and skill in this first World Series game. Freddie Freeman’s comeback from his ankle injury to secure victory during this “instant classic” game displayed the true spirit and unpredictability of baseball. The series ahead promises to be an intriguing contest marked by strategic decisions, powerful offenses, and skilled pitching.
