Till the seventh inning, it looked like the Dodgers would lose today’s game. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox were cruising for another win at the Dodgers stadium and the reason was an obvious one. The Blue Crew have struggled over the last few weeks in the MLB league. Their star performer, Shohei Ohtani, has not been able to pitch, especially due to his elbow injury. Also, with the recent injury of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, his return after 60 days IL has put more pressure on the already weak pitching department. 

However, when the win looked bleak for the LADs in Friday’s game, one of their core superstars stood up and turned the momentum to their side. Freddie Freeman smashed a grand slam in the eighth inning. Eventually, the Dodgers defeated the Boston Red Sox by 4-1 at the Dodgers stadium. Perhaps the Los Angeles Dodgers have been known to turn the script at the last moment. In Friday’s game, a similar thing happened when Alex Cora’s risky decision flipped the game in the Dodger’s favor. 

Alex Cora’s decision blunder that made Freddie Freeman show his hitting skills

As Freddie Freeman smashed a grand slam, the Dodgers stadium erupted chanting Freddie’s name. However, it was a blunder from Red Sox’s manager, Alex, that made Freddie Freeman retake the striking mound. Amid the eight innings, Cora intentionally made Will Smith walk and load the bases despite knowing Freddie’s hitting skills. This gave Freeman a chance to take center stage and smash his 15th homer of the 2024 season.

Speaking about the much-needed win and the strategy, Freeman said, “It was the opportunity to drive in runs; that’s all I care about. You can walk all the people you want. It’s part of the game. It’s strategy.” As a part of the game, on the sinkball, Freddie made the double play that allowed him to be at the mound for the next strike. In the match, a base was open, and the Red Sox’s manager, Cora, had to decide to either make Freeman face the lefty Bernardino or keep Will Smith on strike. 

Exploring the stadium, once he smashed the grand slam, the Dodgers fans erupted and “Freddie! Freddie! echoed in the entire venue. With Friday’s grand slam, the Dodgers ace hitter has hit his seventh career grand slam. From the Red Sox end, the All-Star Game MVP Jarren Duran tried his best as he smashed a home run off Stone in the fifth inning. This gave the Red Sox an early lead of 1-0. Thereafter, the Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta held the LAD’s scoreless on two hits throughout the six innings. 

Then, Freddie Freeman smashed a grand slam, and with Ryan Yarbrough allowing just one hit in the eighth, the Dodgers snatched victory over the Boston Red Sox. However, as much as the Dodgers fans in the stadium were filled with extravagant joy, Red Sox fans showcased their mixed emotions for Alex Cora on Social media. 

Red Sox fans expressed their emotions on Alex Cora’s risky decision

A win that the Boston Red Sox could have easily gotten, Alex Cora’s blunder cost them a close loss. Reflecting on the horrendous defeat, a fan said, “Understood the strategy, but not to any of the top 4 in the Dodgers lineup.” With no surprise, despite the Dodgers’ struggle in pitching, their offense has been brilliant. Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman have especially been exceptional to the team. In the 2024 season, the duo hit 44 homers. Also, Ohtani’s impressive OPS of .1033, followed by Freeman’s .891, makes them dreadful hitters. 

While one fan questioned Cora’s strategy, another one supported his move, “Which is fine, he played the matchup sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t. He brought Bernardino the lefty to face both Ohtani and Freddie.” Ohtani and Freddie both have struggled against left-hand pitchers in the past. Remembering Ohtani’s 2020 season, he struggled with an average of just .178 against the lefties. Also, with Freeman, the story remains the same, having a .244 average in 2024 versus the left-handed pitchers. 

Another user criticized Cora’s decision, explaining his frustration in just one word, “Stupid.” Indeed, in MLB, lefty versus righty matchup strategies have been used in the past. While Ohtani’s batting average against the lefties isn’t that great, Freddie still has the upper hand. With not much difference, he averages at .244 against the left-hand pitchers compared to .316 against the rightie. 

Then came another commenter who praised Freddie Freeman, saying, “I love when this happens, and it happens often. Freeman is one of the best in baseball.” Freeman, in 2024, has played at an RBI of 65, having 15 homers to his name. Also, in his career, having a slash line of .301/.389/.514, he will be with the Dodgers till 2027. Lastly, comparing Will Smith with Freddie Freeman, another fan wrote, “Would’ve rather faced will any day.” Although there’s not much difference in the players’ performance in 2024, each has smashed 15 home runs and has a similar OPS of .838(Will Smith) and .891 (Freddie Freeman). Still, it was Freddie’s night, and he delivered the much-needed win for the Dodgers. 

Decisions like Alex Cora‘s sometimes might stick in the Red Sox’s favor, while others can backfire. Still, the Red Sox are in the third position, having a PCT of .552. Yet again, they will face the Blue Crew at the Dodgers stadium. And this time, the Red Sox might look to eradicate blunder and probably play their natural game against the Dodgers.