In a World Series opener that will be remembered for generations, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman etched his name into baseball lore with a stunning walk-off grand slam to defeat the New York Yankees 6-3 in Game 1 at a raucous Dodger Stadium.
A Tenth Inning for the Ages
The stage was set for drama in the bottom of the 10th inning. The Yankees had just taken a 3-2 lead in the top half on a Jazz Chisholm Jr. single, stolen base, and groundout. But the Dodgers refused to go quietly.
With runners on first and second and one out, Yankees manager Aaron Boone made the bold decision to intentionally walk *Shohei Ohtani*, setting up a lefty-lefty matchup between *Nestor Cortes* and *Mookie Betts*. Cortes got Betts to pop out, bringing Freeman to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs.
On the first pitch he saw from Cortes, a 93 mph fastball on the inside corner, Freeman turned and launched a majestic drive deep into the Los Angeles night. The sold-out crowd erupted as the ball cleared the right field fence for a game-winning grand slam.
“I was just trying to get a pitch to hit and not do too much,” Freeman said after the game. “I got a fastball I could handle and put a good swing on it. Definitely a moment I’ll never forget.”
– Freddie Freeman
Instant Classic
Freeman’s blast gave the Dodgers their third walk-off homer in World Series history, joining *Max Muncy* (Game 3 in 2018) and *Kirk Gibson* (Game 1 in 1988) in franchise lore. It also provided a thrilling end to a game that featured elite starting pitching and high drama throughout.
Both teams received stellar outings from their starting pitchers. The Dodgers’ *Julio Urías* allowed just one run over 6 2/3 innings, striking out nine. Yankees ace *Gerrit Cole* was equally brilliant, tossing seven shutout frames. The bullpens ultimately decided the outcome.
Setting the Tone
In a series featuring a dream matchup between the teams with MLB’s best records, plus transcendent superstars *Aaron Judge* and *Shohei Ohtani*, Game 1 certainly lived up to the hype. Both teams showed their mettle, but it was Freeman and the Dodgers who landed the first blow.
According to a source close to the team, Freeman has been playing through a badly sprained ankle for weeks. But the veteran first baseman was not to be denied his moment. His clutch heroics give the Dodgers a 1-0 series lead and a wave of momentum heading into Game 2 in Los Angeles.
“This is what you dream about as a kid,” Freeman said. “Getting a chance to play in the World Series and coming through for your team. I’m just so grateful for this opportunity.”
– Freddie Freeman
As the scene shifts to Game 2, the Yankees will aim to regroup after a gutting loss. The Dodgers, meanwhile, have their sights set on capturing a championship in front of their home fans. If Game 1 is any indication, baseball fans are in for a World Series to remember.
