Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam launched this World Series into history. Then the Dodgers ripped off an historic comeback, with a series of key misplays from the Yankees.
NEW YORK — It was another wild night at Yankee Stadium. And it’s hard to say what will happen in the end, but at least this much is clear: the World Series title is headed back west to Los Angeles.
Jack Flaherty was shutting the door on the Yankees in the second inning of Game 5. But then he walked Aaron Judge on five pitches and gave up a two-run single to Teoscar Hernandez, with the Dodgers taking a 5-4 lead.
The reversal of fortunes was complete in the sixth, with Yankee closer Blake Treinen summoned to replace Graterol. He got the inning’s last out, and stranded a pair of runners, but the damage had been done.
Then, in the eighth, the Dodgers went right back to work. Gavin Lux and Mookie Betts both hit sacrifice flies, tying the game at 5-5. Then the tying and go-ahead runs came with a couple of egregious Yankee misplays, including a muffed fly ball by center fielder Aaron Judge that pushed both L.A. players into scoring position. That allowed Alex Verdugo to score on a grounder just over the glove of first baseman Anthony Rizzo. A few more dodger miscues – including an errant throw by catcher Ryan Brasier that led to a bases-loaded walk – and the series was tied.