Game One of the World Series showcased the prowess of the Dodgers bullpen. The pitchers of Los Angeles struck out 13 batters while the New York Yankees struck out four.
“They’re performing and they’re all in for whatever I ask of them,” said Dodgers general manager Dave Roberts. “They make me look good, I had a lot of good players and they understand that it’s about getting 27 out tonight.”
Starting pitcher Jack Flaherty walked into the stadium with a no. 34 Fernando Valenzuela jersey. The 1981 World Series winner passed away on Tuesday.
“He was a legend, an L.A. legend especially what he did throughout his career,” Flaherty said. “What he was able to do, inspiring the city. That’s a tough loss for the Dodgers community.”
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Burbank native Flaherty had six strikeouts, three of which were on Aaron Judge.
“He used the breaking ball and that three-two strikeout and fastballs and a big strike out right there,” Roberts said. “[Judge] is an M.V.P., he’s going to win this year. You got to be careful.”
In the sixth inning, Flaherty met his match in fellow CIF Southern Section alum Giancarlo Stanton. Stanton, who was a three-sport athlete at Notre Dame High School of Sherman Oaks, whacked a two-run home run against Harvard-Westlake alum Flaherty. He was subbed out for Anthony Banda soon after.
Flaherty only allowed five hits in the 5.1 innings that he pitched. During his high school days at Harvard-Westlake, Flaherty was the Southern Section Division I player of the year and became the Gatorade Player of the Year in California.
Freddie Freeman made history with his grand slam in extra innings by becoming the first MLB player to make a walk-off grand slam during the World Series.
“These are the kind of things when you’re five years old with your two older brothers and you play wiffle ball in the back yard,” Freeman said. “These are the scenarios you dream about.”
Freeman took a moment to celebrate his grand slam with his father. He noted how his father deserves credit for the historical achievement.
“He’s been throwing me batting practice since I could remember. My swing is because of him, my approach is because of him,” Freeman said. “We still do it in the offseason together, he still throws me batting practice.’
Game 2 of the World Series will be at Dodgers Stadium on October 26 at 5:08P.M.
