World Series Game 1: Updates, takeaways from Dodgers win

Game 1 of the World Series is here – and it exceeds the hype.

After the New York Yankees took the lead in the top of the 10th inning at Dodger Stadium, Freddie Freeman sent the LA fans home happily with a walk-off grand slam to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers.

We've covered everything from in-game updates and analysis to insights from all angles to what's next for every team after an exciting start to this Fall Classic.

Jump to: Takeaways | Live updates

Takeaways

Dodgers lead the series 1-0

Dodgers:The Dodgers have made steady progress in these playoffs, largely because their offense is relentless. This was evident again in Game 1 of the World Series. And although they failed to capitalize on prime run-scoring opportunities in the sixth and seventh innings, scoring no runs despite putting a runner in scoring position with no outs each time, they finally got it done in the tenth inning.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. had driven in a run for the Yankees in the top half, hitting a single, stealing two bases and scoring on a groundout, but the Dodgers came right back. They put runners on first and second with one out, saw both runners advance after Alex Verdugo rushed over the fence and made a spectacular catch – and they sent Freddie Freeman up with the bases loaded and watched him do it Walk-off grand slam delivered. Freeman's sprained right ankle was an issue all month, keeping him out of the starting lineup for the National League Championship Series pennant game. But he had almost a full week to heal and felt good going into Game 1, a night they needed him in the lineup for the match against Gerrit Cole. Throughout the playoffs, Freeman's toughness inspired his teammates. That night, it led directly to an unlikely victory. –Alden Gonzalez

Yankees:Aaron Boone's decision to hand the ball to Nestor Cortes with one out in the 10th inning will be analyzed in every way. Tim Hill, the Yankees' best left-handed reliever this postseason, has given up one earned run over five innings in seven playoff appearances. He played in all five ALCS games. Cortes had not pitched since September 18th due to a strained left forearm. It was a huge pitch for someone who hasn't pitched in five weeks. Alex Verdugo's excellent catch down the left field line into the stands put Cortes within just a game-ending lead. But Freeman, who was sitting fastball, got a fastball and ended a wild baseball game. –Jorge Castillo

Ohtani/Judge Tracker: After an uneventful first three at-bats, Shohei Ohtani made his first big impact in the 2024 World Series when he blasted a ball off the right field fence for a double in the eighth inning – moving the Yankees to third on a defensive error before scoring with a sacrifice fly Betts scored the decisive run. Aaron Judge's struggles after the 2024 season also impacted the World Series, as he struck out at-bats in each of his first three games. The Yankees superstar avoided a 0-fer and started the series with a single in the seventh inning.

Ohtani: 1 for 5, 1 R, 0 RBI

Judge: 1-for-5, 0 R, 0 RBI

The big question for game 2: Teams come back after gut punches. But gut punches on a walk-off grand slam in Game 1 of the World Series level? We're about to find out. Because the Yankees lost in the worst way imaginable. They played sloppy defensively and got away with it unscathed. They stole a run in the 10th inning with Chisholm's legs. And when Aaron Boone intentionally walked Mookie Betts to load the bases for Freddie Freeman — who entered Game 1 without a single extra base hit this postseason — he was taking a risk but couldn't imagine Freeman making one of the bases would hit biggest home runs in years.

Something like this can destroy a team, and Boone needs to get his team together before Game 2 to ensure this series doesn't fall into crisis before the Yankees go home. There are no encouraging words or anything that can be said to ease the pain of such a defeat. The Yankees just have to understand: They are here for a reason, no matter how much it hurts. And they have to find it again quickly. –Jeff Passan

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