In a thrilling rematch of last year's World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers delivered a captivating performance at Chavez Ravine on Friday night, showcasing their resilience against the New York Yankees. While this game may not have equaled the dramatic fifth inning of Game 5 from the previous year, it certainly provided fans with an electrifying late-game rally. Seven months after their historic comeback at Yankee Stadium, the Dodgers found themselves facing a similar deficit but flipped the script with an incredible four-run sixth inning, ultimately securing an 8-5 victory in front of a packed crowd at Dodger Stadium.
Designated hitter Shohei Ohtani set the tone for the Dodgers' comeback, smashing his second home run of the night, marking his MLB-leading 22nd of the season. Ohtani's powerful shot ignited the rally, followed closely by Freddie Freeman, who delivered an RBI double, further solidifying his reputation as a Yankees nemesis after his MVP performance in last year’s Fall Classic. The Dodgers erased a three-run deficit, with Andy Pages hitting a tying single and Michael Conforto drawing a bases-loaded walk to put the Dodgers ahead.
"Just getting guys on, keeping the line moving, getting huge hits," Freeman reflected on the inning. Outfielder Teoscar Hernández emphasized the importance of the win, stating, "Every win is important, but this one is a big one. We were down early, but we didn’t panic." This victory came at a crucial time for the Dodgers (35-22), who have struggled in recent weeks due to injuries, including the loss of Mookie Betts to a fractured toe and Evan Phillips who will require Tommy John surgery.
Initially, it seemed the Dodgers were headed for another disappointing loss, having entered the game with a 10-11 record. Starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin faced challenges, allowing four home runs in the first three innings, including an impressive blast from Aaron Judge that gave the Yankees a 5-2 lead. The Dodgers' lineup struggled to capitalize against Yankees ace Max Fried, who limited their scoring opportunities.
However, Ohtani's leadoff homer in the sixth not only reignited the Dodgers' spirits but also marked a historic moment. It was the first time in MLB history that both reigning MVPs from the American and National Leagues hit first-inning home runs in the same game. "After giving up a run on Judge’s homer, I think it’s important for the flow of the game to get one back right away," Ohtani noted, reflecting on the pivotal moments of the game.
The Dodgers' sixth-inning rally was a testament to their determination. Following Ohtani's homer, both Hernández and Will Smith contributed with back-to-back singles. Freeman's double chased Fried from the mound, while Pages' timely hit brought the tying run home. Conforto’s bases-loaded walk added to the excitement, demonstrating the Dodgers' ability to capitalize on key situations. "There were a lot of really good grindy at-bats in there," Conforto said, highlighting the team's perseverance.
As the game progressed, the Dodgers continued to build their lead. Another double from Freeman set up Pages for a crucial two-run single in the seventh. Gonsolin managed to settle down and pitched through six innings without allowing further damage, while the Dodgers' bullpen held strong, securing the lead with vital outs from Jack Dreyer, Ben Casparius, Tanner Scott, and Alex Vesia.
Despite the challenges faced earlier in the season, Gonsolin expressed the significance of the win against a formidable opponent, stating, "It’s still early, it’s still May. But it’s cool to play that kind of caliber team and come out on top." The Dodgers demonstrated that they are capable of resilience and adaptability, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the season.
