What a rollercoaster of emotions for Gerrit Cole on Friday night! He had the lead and was poised for a memorable World Series debut with the Yankees, but things took a turn after he left the game. Clay Holmes did his job by stranding Cole’s runner in the seventh, keeping hope alive. But then, in the bottom of the eighth, the Dodgers struck back and tied it up, robbing Cole of what would have been a well-deserved win. Can the Yankees bounce back after this?

Derek Jeter, the former ace Yankee, feels that pulling Cole was a mistake, and it just might be, given the Yankees lost to the Dodgers later that game. Jeter really knows how to capture the tension of postseason baseball! His comment about Gerrit Cole being pulled after just 88 pitches is something to think about. “It’s a domino effect on not only this game tonight, but tomorrow’s game and the rest of the series.”

Jeter gets it—every decision in the World Series can send ripples through the team, affecting not just the current game but the strategy for what’s next. With the pressure on, the question is: Will the team switch things up or stick to their game plan? As for Gerrit Cole, he really turned it around in his latest postseason start. After some ups and downs this October, Cole delivered a solid performance, allowing just one run over six-plus innings and, impressively, not walking a single batter.

 That 88-pitch outing showcased his ability to control the game, even if he only registered four strikeouts. After giving up a two-out triple to Freddie Freeman in the first, Cole went on to retire 11 straight batters. That’s the kind of resilience and focus you want to see in the postseason. He was indeed in the zone, leaving many fans wondering how much more he could have done if he got to stay in longer.  

The star of the Yankees vs. Dodgers game 1

The showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees certainly lived up to the hype, and Freddie Freeman emerged as the ultimate hero. In a thrilling twist, Freeman smashed a walk-off grand slam in the 10th inning, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Just when it seemed like the Yankees were in control after taking a 3-2 lead in the top of the inning, Freeman unleashed a 423-foot bomb, sealing a 6-3 victory for the Dodgers.  

And get this—it was the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history – what a way to kick off the Fall Classic. Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam had echoes of Kirk Gibson’s legendary homer in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series against the Oakland A’s. Both moments feature a first baseman battling through injuries to deliver an unforgettable win. It’s easy to get caught up in the headlines featuring Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani, but let’s not overlook the powerhouse that is Freddie Freeman.

Even with his struggles and not being at full strength, his return to the lineup is like adding rocket fuel to the Dodgers’ offense! With so many stars on the field, it’s like a constellation of talent, but Freeman is one of those bright stars that can often get overshadowed. Freeman’s health will be a crucial factor as the Dodgers gear up for this intense matchup against the Yankees – even a little upliftment can make a lot of difference.

The Yankees are a formidable opponent, so, having Freeman back, even in a limited capacity, could shift the momentum in the Dodgers’ favor. How do you think the matchup will unfold with Freddie Freeman in the lineup? Let us know below.