In a World Series rematch that fans have awaited for 43 years, Game 1 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees delivered a showdown for the ages. Dodgers star Freddie Freeman stunned the Yankees—and their fans—by smashing the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history, a dramatic hit that sealed a 6-3 win in the 10th inning. The result left the Yankees and manager Aaron Boone facing intense backlash after a controversial late-game decision to intentionally walk Mookie Betts and pitch to Freeman. The move was described as “moronic” by frustrated fans and analysts alike, sparking heated reactions across social media.
The packed Dodger Stadium, with 52,394 roaring fans, erupted as Freeman launched a fastball into the stands, clutching the victory with a powerful display of resilience and skill despite playing through an ankle injury. The hit was quickly likened to Kirk Gibson’s iconic walk-off homer in the 1988 World Series. After circling the bases, Freeman dedicated the moment to his father, saying, “I was just screaming in his face. I’m sorry, dad. He’s been there since I was a little boy, throwing batting practice to me every day.”
Boone’s Call to Walk Betts Stuns Fans
The Yankees held a narrow 3-2 lead entering the bottom of the 10th, after Jazz Chisholm Jr. stole two bases and scored on Anthony Volpe’s groundout to put New York in front. But Dodgers fought back, loading the bases and setting up a pivotal moment when Boone, controversially, decided to bring in starter Nestor Cortes, who hadn’t pitched in six weeks due to an elbow injury. Cortes issued an intentional walk to Betts, one of baseball’s elite, to face Freeman—an approach fans widely questioned.
Within moments, the plan backfired as Freeman smashed Cortes’s first inside fastball, sending Dodgers fans into a frenzy and Yankees supporters into disbelief. Social media exploded with criticism, with one fan writing, “This guy needs to be fired, man. Nestor was on the couch for the last month but you like the matchup?” Another mocked Boone’s logic, saying, “I brought in a non-reliever who hadn’t pitched in five weeks to face Hall of Fame hitters in high-leverage World Series plate appearances. AMA.”
Even former Yankee Cameron Maybin questioned the call, posting, “That’s overthinking it… leave Gleyber in the game!”
Game 1: An Epic Extra-Inning Duel
The game was a true testament to both teams’ talent, each going blow for blow in a high-energy battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Tensions rose in the 10th inning when Jazz Chisholm Jr., known for his daring base-running, singled off Dodgers closer Blake Treinen and proceeded to steal second and third. After an intentional walk to Anthony Rizzo, Chisholm scored on Volpe’s fielder’s choice, giving the Yankees a brief lead.
But the Dodgers rallied, with Gavin Lux drawing a walk and advancing to second on an infield single by Tommy Edman, who dodged a diving effort from Yankees infielder Oswaldo Cabrera. With both runners now in scoring position, Boone’s call to bring in Cortes ultimately set the stage for Freeman’s game-winning grand slam.
Historic Night Sets High Stakes for Game 2
The opener, already the third straight World Series Game 1 to go into extra innings, set a tense precedent for the series ahead. Boone’s decision to rely on Cortes—despite the starter’s lack of recent play and limited fitness—has put a glaring spotlight on his strategy, which many feel played directly into the Dodgers’ hands. Left fielder Alex Verdugo’s impressive, acrobatic catch on Shohei Ohtani’s foul pop-up was overshadowed by Freeman’s triumph, as Verdugo’s dive into the stands left both Dodgers runners advancing.
For Boone and the Yankees, this loss leaves much to answer ahead of Game 2. The intense social media reaction mirrors the frustration of New York fans, who now fear a replay of 2020’s series, when key decisions on the mound proved costly. Can Boone shake the criticism and steer the Yankees to a comeback, or will his controversial call define this World Series? With the stakes already sky-high, Game 2 promises more nail-biting moments in a contest both teams seem determined to take down to the wire.
