In a thrilling opener to the World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers edged out the New York Yankees 6-3 in a dramatic 10-inning showdown on Friday night, thanks to Freddie Freeman’s historic walk-off grand slam. This monumental homer, hit with two outs in the 10th inning, stands as the first game-ending grand slam in World Series history.
Despite battling through a severely sprained ankle, Freeman didn’t waste any time, launching a homer off Nestor Cortes on his very first pitch. The crowd of 52,394 erupted as he raised his bat high and began his victorious trot around the bases.
“I cannot believe what just happened,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed, clearly in awe of the moment. “That’s what makes the Fall Classic a classic, right? The stars come out, superstars make big plays, and get big hits in the biggest moments. I’m speechless right now.”
For many, Freeman’s dramatic walk-off was reminiscent of Kirk Gibson’s iconic game-winning homer that propelled the Dodgers over the Oakland Athletics in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series — a moment etched in baseball history.
After the game, an exhilarated Freeman reflected on his performance. Having missed three National League playoff games due to his ankle injury, he noted, “I actually felt pretty good. We treated it really well over the last six days, and I was feeling great. Running out to give high-fives to my teammates felt amazing—that was the first time I ran all week. So, the ankle’s good.”
In a heartwarming moment, Freeman ran straight to his father following the grand slam. “I was just screaming in his face. I’m sorry, Dad,” he chuckled. “He’s been there since I was a little boy, throwing batting practice to me every day. This is a moment for him.”
Game 1 certainly lived up to the hype, showcasing the storied rivalry between two of baseball’s most celebrated franchises. It marked the third consecutive World Series opener to extend into extra innings.
“We can’t sit here and mope,” Yankees slugger Aaron Judge said after the loss. “We need to learn from this, figure out where we can improve, and focus on winning the next one.”
The Yankees had taken a brief 3-2 lead in the 10th. Anthony Volpe grounded into a fielder’s choice, allowing Jazz Chisholm Jr. to score from third after successfully stealing two bases, highlighting a strategic play sequence.
However, the Dodgers responded with determination. Gavin Lux walked against Jake Cousins, and an infield single from Tommy Edman advanced him to second. With the bases loaded and lefty-on-lefty matchup set, Freeman stepped up to the plate after Mookie Betts was intentionally walked.
“I was on time for the heater,” Freeman said, and he blasted a drive into the right-field pavilion, sending the Dodgers fans into a frenzy. This grand slam marked only the third walk-off home run in World Series history for a team trailing.
“That’s the stuff you dream about as a kid,” Freeman added. “It’s a dream come true, but this is just one win. We’ve got three more to go.”
This matchup was the 12th encounter in World Series history between the Yankees and Dodgers, the most frequent in Major League history, but the first since 1978. As the Dodgers seek their eighth title in franchise history, the Yankees are aiming for their first championship since 2009.
The game opened with a quiet intensity as both starting pitchers, Gerrit Cole and Jack Flaherty, battled through four scoreless innings. Judge struggled initially but finally found his rhythm, while Shohei Ohtani, who previously went hitless, recorded a crucial double that set the stage for a tying sacrifice fly.
As the action unfolded, the game showcased the talents and dramatic flair that define the Fall Classic, leaving fans eager for what comes next in this storied rivalry.
