Freeman's walk-off Grand Slam in 10th inning, lifts Dodgers past Yankees

LOS ANGELES -- Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off grand slam in the 10th inning, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 6-3 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday night at Dodger Stadium.

Freeman hit the first-ever walk-off grand slam in World Series history off left-hander Nestor Cortes. This marked Cortes’ first appearance in over a month. He entered the game in the 10th inning to face Shohei Ohtani, who popped up. Alex Verdugo made an incredible catch, falling into the stands, which allowed the runners to advance to second and third base.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone decided to load the bases by intentionally walking Mookie Betts, who was 0 for 3 before the walk, allowing Freddie Freeman to come to the plate to recreate the Kirk Gibson moment.

Freeman smashed the first pitch he saw from Cortes, a 92 mph fastball that flew 409 feet into the right field pavilion. This marked Freeman’s return after missing Games 5 and 6 in the NLCS.

“Those are the kind of things when you're 5 years old with your two older brothers and you're playing wiffle ball in the backyard, those are the scenarios you dream about, two outs, bases loaded in a World Series game,” Freeman said. “For it to actually happen and get a home run and walk it off to give us a 1-0 lead, that's as good as it gets right there.”

Boone expressed his thoughts about using Cortes in the 10th inning.

“Just liked the matchup. He’s been throwing the ball really well over the last few weeks as he’s gotten ready for this, I felt convicted with Nestor in that spot.” Boone said.

Mookie Betts shares his comments on Freeman's walk-off grand slam.

"Knowing what Freddie has gone through, this is super special. I’m glad it was him." Betts said.

Aaron Judge, who struck out three times in Game 1, is eager to move on and focus on Game 2.

“We can’t sit here and mope,” Judge said. “Learn from it, where we can improve, and try to win the next one.”

After two impressive performances by starting pitchers Jack Flaherty and Gerrit Cole, Game 1 came down to the wire as the Dodgers' bullpen excelled significantly late in the game.

Cole delivered an impressive performance, pitching over six innings while allowing just four hits and one run, along with recording four strikeouts. In Game 1 of the postseason, he showcased one of his best outings, with the only run coming in the fifth inning when Kike Hernandez hit a triple. Will Smith then followed with a sacrifice fly to bring him home.

Flaherty was on course for a shutout until Giancarlo Stanton, a local talent from Notre Dame High School, hit a two-run home run deep into left field. It’s his sixth homer in 11 games this postseason.

Flaherty pitched 5 ⅓ innings, giving up five hits and two runs while striking out six against the formidable Yankees lineup.

“I still don’t have any words. I’m speechless,” Flaherty said on Freeman’s walk-off Grand Slam. “For what that dude has been through over the last couple of weeks to get healthy and to be here in that situation and to deliver on the one swing is unbelievable.”

The Dodgers tied the game in the eighth inning with a double by Ohtani, who advanced to third base due to a bad throw by Soto. Betts then hit a sacrifice fly, forcing extra innings.

Yankees’ Anthony Volpe grounded into a fielder's choice, which allowed Jazz Chisholm Jr. to score from third base. Right-hander Blake Treinen was pitching when Chisholm Jr. stole two bases and then scored the go-ahead run, giving the Yankees a 3-2 lead.

Dodgers second baseman Gavin Lux drew a walk against right-hander Jake Cousins with one out in the bottom of the 10th inning. Cousins subsequently allowed another hit to Edman, who reached base safely. Boone then turned to his bullpen once more, calling in Cortes, a left-handed pitcher to face Ohtani, who hadn't pitched in over a month due to an elbow injury.

Roberts on the walk-off win against the Yankees in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series.

"Just that swing, you knew it was gone," Roberts said. "It was a great game before that, but the way it finished, I couldn't be more excited for our guys."

Game 2 of the World Series is scheduled for Saturday. The Yankees will start left-hander Carlos Rodón, who has a record of 1-1 and a 4.40 ERA in three postseason starts, with 22 strikeouts over 14 1/3 innings. The Dodgers will counter with right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who has a record of 1-0 in three postseason starts, a 5.11 ERA, and 11 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings.