The Dodgers and Yankees have a World Series rivalry that dates back to the 1941 games. They’ve matched up twelve times, with the Yankees having eight wins over the Dodgers. After the Yankees beat the Guardians in the ALCS, the Dodgers secured the win against the Mets in the NLCS to almost end the postseason. Both teams have notable players, as well as strong fan bases, which set up this latest matchup to be a memorable one.
Los Angeles held Game One of the World Series in Dodger Stadium. It was a lively, nail-biting game with the score being 2-2 to finish off the ninth inning. In the top of the tenth, Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe hit a grounder leading third baseman Jazz Chisholm to score, giving the Yankees a 3-2 lead. Dodgers went on to fill the bases in the bottom of the tenth. Despite the ankle injury from the rivalry Padres-Dodger game, first baseman Freddie Freeman was up to bat. Nestor Cortes was pitching when Freeman hit the historical walk-off grand slam to end the game.
Head Varsity Baseball Coach Gary Remiker said, “His [Freeman’s] preparation all through the season, before games, and preparing to face a certain pitcher- his preparation is excellent,” when asked about Freeman’s early excelling in games. This iconic play set the tone for the rest of the series, leaving the Dodgers ready to take home another title.
Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto carried the defense for the Dodgers in game 2, only allowing two walks and one hit from left fielder Juan Soto in over six innings. “Everything was good because of location,” said Yamamoto after game 2. The Dodgers offense wasn’t slacking either. Center fielder Tommy Edmon put them on the board in the second inning with a solo home run. The offense was stalling for the Yankees in the third inning, despite Soto’s home run. Dodgers made it a 4-1 lead with Game One hero, Freddie Freeman, and left fielder, Teoscar Hernández. New York attempted to come back. However, Anthony Volpe struck out with the bases loaded. Dodger fans were worried when new designated hitter Shoehei Ohtani sustained a shoulder injury after trying to steal second base in the seventh. Despite this, the Dodgers continued to lead the series 2-0.
Freeman started off game three with a two-run home run. And the Dodger’s defense had 5 scoreless innings, led by starting pitcher Walker Buehler. It was 4-0 up until the top of the ninth when Dodger shortstop Mookie Betts hit into a double play, ending LA’s at-bat, and giving the Yankees one last chance. Left fielder Alex Verdugo two-run homer for the Yankees in the bottom of the ninth wasn’t enough for them to clutch Game Three however. Dodgers had a 3-0 series lead and were one win away from securing their eighth championship title.
Dodger fans thought that Game Four was going to be it for the Yankees, but they were motivated to stay alive. Again Dodgers took an early lead from Freddie Freeman’s solo home run. This lead was taken by the Yankees in the third inning, however, when Anthony Volpe hit a grand slam. The team kept up with a three-run homer from second baseman Gleyber Torres. Everyone from the Yankees seemed to be on their A-game, including struggling center fielder Aaron Judge. “He has a lot of pressure…you’re gonna come across some of the better pitchers,” said CCHS varsity head assistant coach Robert Reiter. “Some people have it, others don’t when it comes to crunch time.” At the beginning of the series, he struck out almost every at bat and only got on base one time. However, in Game Four, he got on base four times and had an eighth-inning RBI single. This inning had five runs from the Yankees, helping them secure the game and another shot at a title.
Yankees Judge Chisholm Jr. started game five with back-to-back home runs to put them in the lead. An RBI single from Alex Verdugo and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton’s home run put the Yankees in a 5-0 lead by the third inning. But the team made multiple mistakes on defense causing the Dodgers to score five runs in the fifth. Sacrifice flies in the sixth put the Yankees up by one before the Dodgers had their sacrifice fly with bases loaded. Dodger pitcher Blake Treinen was taken out by manager Dave Roberts after he struck out first baseman Anthony Rizzo. Walker Buehler was put in with hopes of ending the series. He did just that and pitched a perfect final inning by striking out Verdugo to win the Dodgers their eighth series title.
The early lead taken by the Dodgers in the series gave the team momentum as they quickly worked themselves into a rhythm, and the inability for the Yankees to maintain a comeback made it easier for the Dodgers to get the title. In a post-game interview, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said, “I’m heartbroken. I’m heartbroken.”
Historical plays from people like Freddie Freeman were “unforgettable” said counselor Jesse Gonzalez . “This one means something special to me,” said the lifelong Dodger fan after being able to share the experience with his kids. It was a full circle moment for Mr.Gonzalez especially because of former Dodger pitcher Fernando Valunzuela’s passing last month. He mentioned that the retired player was a big reason he and his family were Dodger fans.
The 120th World Series sweep by the Dodgers was one for the history books. The energy from fans around the globe, Freddie Freeman home runs, and the hopeful comeback from the Yankees were all major parts in the 2024 championship for Major League Baseball.
