Dodgers win World Series in 5 games, overcome 5-run deficit with help of errors to beat Yankees 7-6

​The 2024 World Series concluded on October 30 with a thrilling Game 5, where the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the championship by overcoming a five-run deficit to defeat the New York Yankees 7-6. This victory not only secured the Dodgers’ eighth World Series title but also underscored their resilience and strategic prowess.

Early Dominance by the Yankees

The Yankees set the tone early, exploiting the Dodgers’ pitching vulnerabilities. In the first inning, Aaron Judge’s two-run homer and Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s solo shot gave New York a swift 3-0 lead. They added another run in the second when Anthony Volpe’s double preceded Alex Verdugo’s RBI single, pushing the advantage to 4-0. A solo homer by Giancarlo Stanton in the third inning extended the Yankees’ lead to 5-0, leaving the Dodgers struggling to find momentum.

Yankees’ Defensive Collapse in the Fifth Inning

The Dodgers capitalized on the Yankees’ defensive miscues in the fifth inning, turning the game on its head. Kiké Hernández led off with a single, and Tommy Edman reached on Aaron Judge’s dropped fly ball, putting runners on first and second. A throwing error by Anthony Volpe on Will Smith’s ground ball loaded the bases with no outs. Despite Gerrit Cole’s strikeouts of Gavin Lux and Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers seized the opportunity:

• Mookie Betts’ infield single scored a run.
• Freddie Freeman’s two-run single narrowed the gap.
• Teoscar Hernández’s two-run double tied the game at 5-5.

Remarkably, all five runs were unearned, highlighting the pivotal role of Yankees’ errors.

Yankees’ Brief Resurgence

The Yankees briefly regained the lead in the sixth inning. After issuing walks to Juan Soto and Aaron Judge, Brusdar Graterol allowed a sacrifice fly by Giancarlo Stanton, putting New York ahead 6-5.

Decisive Eighth Inning for the Dodgers

The Dodgers’ offense proved decisive in the eighth inning:

• Hernández’s single and Edman’s infield single set the stage.
• Will Smith’s walk loaded the bases.
• Gavin Lux’s sacrifice fly scored a run, tying the game.
• Shohei Ohtani reached base on catcher’s interference, maintaining the bases-loaded situation.
• Mookie Betts’ sacrifice fly gave the Dodgers a 7-6 lead.

This sequence showcased the Dodgers’ ability to exploit defensive lapses and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Pitching Strategy and Execution

Manager Dave Roberts’ pitching decisions were instrumental in the Dodgers’ victory. Blake Treinen’s effective relief work in the seventh and eighth innings kept the Yankees at bay. Despite a one-out double by Judge and a walk in the eighth, Treinen induced a flyout from Stanton and struck out Anthony Rizzo, preserving the lead. Walker Buehler’s perfect ninth inning, including strikeouts of Austin Wells and Alex Verdugo, sealed the championship.

Freddie Freeman’s MVP Performance

Freddie Freeman’s postseason heroics were pivotal to the Dodgers’ success. His walk-off grand slam in Game 1 set the tone for the series. Despite playing through a broken rib cartilage injury, Freeman’s consistent performance earned him the World Series MVP honors. His 12 RBIs tied a World Series record, underscoring his offensive impact.

Historical Significance

The Dodgers’ comeback in Game 5 marked the largest deficit overcome in a World Series clincher. Their resilience reflected a season characterized by overcoming adversity, including injuries and bullpen challenges. Securing the title prevented a potential Game 6 in Los Angeles, allowing the team to celebrate their achievement promptly.