The 2024 World Series started with an unforgettable Game 1 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees. In a game that channeled echoes of historic moments, Canadian-born Freddie Freeman delivered a walk-off grand slam, adding a fresh chapter to World Series lore and giving the Dodgers a 6-3 win in extra innings. Here are three key takeaways from a classic Game 1, which set an electrifying tone for the series.
Three Key Takeaways from Game 1
The following three takeaways from this great game included:
World Series Takeaway One: Freeman’s Grand Slam Adds to World Series History
Thirty-six years after Kirk Gibson’s legendary limp-off homer, Freeman added his name to the record books. Stepping up with an injured ankle, he launched World Series history’s first walk-off grand slam. His game-winning homer sent Dodger Stadium into a frenzy and sparked comparisons to Gibson’s iconic moment.
World Series Takeaway Two: Game 1 Featured an Amazing Pitching Duel
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole and Dodgers ace Jack Flaherty dueled through six intense innings. Each kept the opponent’s power hitters largely silent until the later innings. Their solid pitching proved their nerve in a postseason that leaned heavily on bullpens. This pitching duel showed what’s possible when two elite arms face off on the World Series stage.
World Series Takeaway Three: Costly Defensive Errors Shaped the Game’s Outcome
Defensive lapses added drama to Game 1. These included a Yankees outfield mishap that allowed Shohei Ohtani to advance and tie the game. Later, a controversial fan interference call took away a potential go-ahead homer for the Yankees. These miscues underscore how even minor mistakes can shift momentum in a high-stakes setting.
What’s Next for the Dodgers and the Yankees?
After the Dodgers took a 1-0 series lead, history suggests they now hold an edge. Game 1 winners have a 65% success rate in winning the series. Both teams, however, will look to tighten up in Game 2 tonight (8 p.m. ET on FOX).
The Yankees aim to even the score and the Dodgers hope to extend their momentum in front of their home crowd.
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