MLB World Series 2024: Dodgers 6-3 Yankees – Freddie Freeman hits walk-off grand slam

Freddie Freeman hit the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in extra innings in Game 1 at Dodger Stadium.

With the teams tied 2-2 after nine innings, UK international Jazz Chisholm Jr. led a Yankees charge, giving them a narrow lead in the top of the 10th inning.

But with the Dodgers having just reached their last out, the Yankees' decision to intentionally tackle the dangerous Mookie Betts and load the bases for Freeman backfired spectacularly.

The first game of the best-of-seven series began as a pitching duel dominated by Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty and Yankees ace Gerrit Cole.

The hosts broke the deadlock in the bottom of the fifth inning when Enrique Hernandez, at the time only the second Dodger to reach base, raced home on a sacrifice fly off Will Smith.

The Yankees immediately bounced back in their first World Series since 2009 when Giancarlo Stanton lifted Flaherty for a two-run home run.

Both teams missed opportunities by stranding baserunners, but the Dodgers tied it after Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani hit a double to center field in the eighth, advanced to third base on a fielding error, and Betts' sacrifice fly drove him in.

The Yankees thought they had retaken the lead in the ninth when Gleyber Torres reached deep to center field, but when a supporter reached for the ball before it hit the wall, a video replay upheld the “fan interference” ruling. and Torres was sent back to second base.

Yankees talisman Aaron Judge, who had a disappointing night with three strikeouts, then left two runners on as extra innings loomed.

In the 10th, Chisholm stole two bases before Anthony Volpe hit him to make it 3-2.

Back came the Dodgers, with two men on base and the script was certainly written for an Ohtani walk-off – but after messing up his lines, Freeman sealed a memorable game.

The series continues at the same location on Saturday before moving to New York on Monday.