BRONX, NY — In a thrilling conclusion to an unforgettable 2024 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers emerged victorious over the New York Yankees 7-6. In front of a packed Yankee Stadium crowd, the game showcased a dramatic come-from-behind effort that will be remembered for many years.
The Yankees surged ahead early with a stunning lead, capitalizing on a decisive two-run home run by slugger Aaron Judge and a collection of hits by Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton that sent the Bronx faithful into a frenzy. By the end of the fourth inning, New York held a commanding 5-0 lead, leaving many to believe the game was all but decided. However, the Dodgers have been a resilient team all postseason. The baseball gods often allow unpredictability in a game with many innings remaining, and last night’s spectacle was no exception.
The turning point came in the fifth inning, when the Yankees’ usually stalwart defense faltered behind starter Garrett Cole. Back-to-back errors opened the door for the Dodgers, who were relentless in seizing the opportunity. Los Angeles quickly closed the gap, chipping away at the lead with a mix of timely hits and aggressive base running.
Star outfielder Mookie Betts was instrumental in catalyzing the comeback when he reached on an RBI infield single that allowed Kike Hernandez to score the team’s first run of the game. The perceived postseason MVP, Freddie Freeman, dialed up another hit as he connected an RBI single that allowed Tommy Edman and catcher Will Smith to score. The Dodgers trailed in the top of the fifth inning, 5-3, yet Los Angeles was far from done. The hits continued as Teoscar Hernandez doubled to center as Betts and Freeman scored, tying the game 5-5.
Reflecting on the momentum shift, Betts said, “Baseball is all about seizing those moments. When their defense slipped, we knew we had to capitalize. Everyone on this team believed we could turn it around.“
The seventh inning saw a pivotal contribution from the Dodgers’ bullpen as well.
The eighth inning was nothing short of a well-written Hollywood script. With the game tied at 6-6, Dodgers’ slugger Gavin Lux stepped up to the plate and delivered a timely sac fly to center that scored Kike Hernandez for the 7-6 lead.
Dodger manager Dave Roberts had one more ace up his sleeve as Game 3 starter Walker Buehler emerged from the pen and headed to the mound on short rest.
Buehler reminded everyone that despite his Tommy John surgery, nothing stopped him from accomplishing the mission: to deliver three outs toward winning another championship. He accomplished that as the Dodgers celebrated being World Series champions in front of a stunned Yankees team and home crowd.
Manager Dave Roberts praised his team’s resilience in the post-game press conference, “We’ve faced adversity all season, and tonight was no different. I’m incredibly proud of how the boys fought back. This win is a testament to their character.”
The victory marks the Dodgers’ second World Series title in four years, further solidifying their position as one of MLB’s most dominant franchises with eight total championships that ties them with the rival San Francisco Giants. As fans celebrated the thrilling win, plans for a celebratory parade in Los Angeles are already underway, a fitting tribute to a team that proved once again that no deficit is too large to overcome.
Of course, Freeman was named series MVP who gave one of the most incredible memories in sports with his walk-off Game 1 home run, ala Kirk Gibson style, and never looked back throughout the series. Freeman was a genuine threat to the Yankees lineup regardless of who was on the mound.
