Dodger Stadium set the stage as the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers opened the 2024 World Series, rekindling a storied rivalry. Both teams entered Game 1 with powerhouse rosters and passionate fan bases, promising an intense clash to start the series.
The game featured a powerful home run from Giancarlo Stanton and a controversial moment when a fan interference call on a Gleyber Torres hit ā which looked destined to clear the fence ā led to widespread fan outrage, with some calling for the fan to be banned. Despite the Yankees holding a 3-2 lead into the tenth, Freddie Freeman ultimately sealed the Dodgers’ 6-3 victory with a walk-off home run, delivering the Yankees a difficult loss in Game 1 of the World Series.
Live coverage
Yankees drop Game 1 of the World Series opener
Freddie Freeman launches a walk-off grand slam to open the World Series for the Dodgers, lifting them to a 6-3 victory.
Yankees strike in the tenth to take lead
Jazz Chisholm ignites the inning with daring steals of second and third, eventually scoring on an Anthony Volpe force out. Yankees up 3-2 heading into the bottom of the 10th.
Interference call!
A fan caught this Gleyber Torres hit at the wall, resulting in a fan interference call. As a result, Torres automatically went to second base.
All square heading into the ninth
Mookie Betts comes through with a sacrifice fly, driving in Shohei Ohtani from third to even the score at 2-2. We’re set for a thrilling finish in the ninth!
Giancarlo Stanton’s powerful return to Los Angeles puts Yankees ahead 2-1
In a thrilling moment at Dodger Stadium, Giancarlo Stanton launched a massive two-run home run, giving the Yankees a 2-1 lead. The blast, a jaw-dropping display of power, showcased Stantonās unique ability to change the game with one swing.
Enrique HernĆ”ndezās aggressive base running puts Dodgers ahead
Enrique HernĆ”ndez aggressively attacked the bases in the fifth inning, ripping a one-out triple that put pressure on the Yankees’ defense. His hustle paid off when Will Smith followed up with a sacrifice fly, giving the Dodgers a 1-0 lead.
Earlier in the play, Juan Sotoās missed attempt allowed HernĆ”ndez to stretch his hit and advance an extra base, putting him in prime position to score and capitalize on the Dodgers’ offensive push.
Flaherty in Command as Dodgers Lead ALCS
Rowan Kavner: Jack Flaherty is looking strong through five innings, matching Gerrit Coleās impressive outing with ease. Tonightās performance is more in line with his Game 1 outing against the Mets, where he threw seven scoreless innings, rather than his recent NLCS start, which saw him struggle through three innings, allowing eight runs with four walks and no strikeouts. That night, his fastball velocity dipped to 91.4 mphāsomething he attributed to timing issues. But tonight, from his very first pitch, a blazing 96.4 mph fastball, it was clear he’s back in rhythm. Rest has done him well, and at 74 pitches, it’s up to manager Dave Roberts to decide how much longer he stays in the game.
Fourth Inning: Flaherty Breezes Past Yankees
Jack Flaherty continues his smooth outing in the fourth, retiring Giancarlo Stanton, Jazz Chisholm, and Anthony Rizzo in order. Manager Dave Roberts praised Flahertyās ‘stuff’ in a mid-game interview with Ken Rosenthal, noting his command and intensity on the mound.
Cole and Flaherty duel in scoreless battle as Yankees, Dodgers trade blows
The Yankees and Dodgers entered the fourth inning with neither team able to push a run across, as Gerrit Cole and Jack Flaherty exchanged sharp pitching performances. Flaherty has been keeping the Yankees off-balance, working his way out of multiple tight spots. Despite allowing a leadoff single in the third inning, he induced a double-play followed by a key strikeout of Aaron Judge, much to the delight of the star-studded crowd at Dodger Stadium.
On the other side, Cole has been in control, limiting the Dodgers’ opportunities despite some aggressive at-bats. In the third inning, Gavin Lux sent a deep shot toward right-center that had the crowd on edge, but Juan Soto tracked it down with ease. Tommy Edman followed with a routine pop-up, and Shohei Ohtani’s strikeout ended the inning, keeping Coleās pitch count to a manageable 36 through three frames. Cole’s efficiency contrasts with Flahertyās, as the latter has already reached 40 pitches due to a more defensive approach against New York’s lineup.
Earlier in the game, the Yankees missed a chance to capitalize on a Dodgers’ defensive miscue in the first inning. With runners on first and second after a fielding error by Tommy Edman, Jazz Chisholmās impatience at the plate ended the inning with a two-pitch groundout. The Yankees’ lineup, though known for its power, has struggled to find rhythm against Flaherty’s precision.
As the game remains locked in a 0-0 standoff, both teams are looking to break through in the upcoming innings. The pitchers’ duel has set a tense, nail-biting atmosphere, with fans on both sides eager to see who will make the first breakthrough.
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Yankees, Dodgers honor Fernando Valenzuela with special tribute
A touching pregame ceremony honored Fernando Valenzuela as both teams lined the baseline with Valenzuelaās family on the field. In place of a ceremonial first pitch, Dodgers legends and former teammates Steve Yeager (1981 champion) and Orel Hershiser (1988 champion) stepped up to the mound. They placed a baseball on a painted No. 34 behind the mound, paying tribute to Valenzuela, who sadly passed away Tuesday. The tribute was a powerful reminder of his legacy, resonating deeply with fans from both sides.
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Our live coverage starts at 8:10 PM EST
Pre-Game
Game time and where to watch:
- Game Time: First pitch is set for 8:00 PM ET on October 25, 2024.
- TV Broadcast: Catch the action live on Fox Sports, ESPN, and Channel 9.
- Streaming Options: Available on Vix+, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
- Real-Time Updates: Follow live, minute-by-minute coverage right here on Pinstripes Nation for scores, lineup changes, and in-game commentary.
Starters set for Game 1
The Yankees turn to ace Gerrit Cole, who is 1-0 this postseason with 12 strikeouts and a 3.31 ERA across three starts. Known for his postseason composure and power on the mound, Cole looks to set the tone for New York. For the Dodgers, itās Jack Flaherty who takes the ball, coming off a rollercoaster playoff run but with the local support behind him. Flaherty, a Burbank native, has been shaky with a 7.04 ERA but brings an added layer of intensity, pitching in his hometown for the Fall Classic.
Teamsā path to the World Series
- New York Yankees: With stars like Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Alex Verdugo, the Yankees return to the World Series for the first time in 15 years after knocking out the Cleveland Guardians in a 4-1 ALCS victory. The team hopes to capture an early road win to set the tone for their title quest.
- Los Angeles Dodgers: Fresh from a 4-2 series win over the Mets, the Dodgers come into the World Series with one of the leagueās most formidable lineups, led by Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts. For Dodgers fans, this series opener also brings an emotional tribute to franchise legend Fernando Valenzuela, whose recent passing has united fans around a season dedicated to his legacy.
Historic rilvary
This is the 12th time the Yankees and Dodgers will meet in the World Series, the most of any two teams in MLB history. Their last clash dates back to 1981, where the Dodgers took the championship in six games. With each team boasting the leagueās best regular-season records, this matchup has been highly anticipated, pitting powerhouses and fan favorites against each other in a quest to write a new chapter in their storied rivalry.
Players to watch
- Yankees: Juan Soto, celebrating his 26th birthday today, brings his clutch postseason experience, while Aaron Judge, the face of the Yankees, will aim to add to his incredible home run season. ALCS MVP Giancarlo Stanton looks to continue his October heroics, batting cleanup tonight.
- Dodgers: Shohei Ohtani, already considered by some as the leagueās best player, is expected to shine in his first World Series appearance. Despite nursing a sprained ankle, Freddie Freeman returns to bat third, while the Dodgersā lineup depth promises a challenge for Yankees pitchers.
Injury Updates and Lineup Notes:
The Yankees and Dodgers are each nearly at full strength, though both teams have a few players managing injuries. Yankeesā first baseman Anthony Rizzo will play through fractures in his hand, and Nestor Cortes is expected to be available for the World Series after a season marked by injury recovery. For the Dodgers, Freemanās ankle has been closely monitored, but heās cleared to start tonight, giving Los Angeles a full-strength lineup.
National attention divided
While Yankees fans stretch from coast to coast, a recent fan poll by BetOnline reveals that fans in 29 states are rooting for New York, with the remaining 21 states rallying behind Los Angeles. This divided support adds fuel to a rivalry that captures the imagination and competitive spirit of baseball fans nationwide.
From pregame ceremonies to every pitch, swing, and score, Pinstripes Nation brings you live, up-to-the-minute updates as Game 1 unfolds at Dodger Stadium. Stay tuned here for the most comprehensive coverage, bringing you closer to the action and excitement of the 2024 World Series opener.
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