The strongest combination in the opening match of the World Series
On October 25, 2024 (October 26, Japan time), the first World Series in 43 years began between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees. The Dodgers, with their powerful cleanup hitters Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, won a dramatic victory with a walk-off grand slam by Freddie Freeman in the 10th inning.
Ohtani's powerful hit changes the flow of the game
In the bottom of the eighth inning, with the lead trailing 1-2, Ohtani came up to bat for the fourth time. He caught the second changeup from Yankees third pitcher right-hander Kenley and hit a powerful ball with a velocity of 113.9 mph (about 183.3 km/h). It was a double that hit the right field fence, and it was Ohtani's first hit in the World Series.
Otani advanced to third base due to a throwing error by the opposing team. He shouted "Come on!" to the bench, encouraging his teammates.
Betts' sacrifice fly tied the game.
The next batter, Mookie Betts, hit a sacrifice fly to center field off Weaver, who was pitching as the fourth pitcher. Ohtani scored, tying the game at 2-2. Betts' calm batting gave the team a big boost.
Mutual understanding as teammates
At a press conference the day before the game, Betts said of Ohtani, "I'm impressed as a teammate." From his daily preparations to how he spends his time in the clubhouse, he shows his deep respect for Ohtani's sincere attitude.
Similarly, Ohtani calls Betts and Freeman "the best players in the baseball world." Their mutual support and mutual improvement is the source of the team's strength.
Postseason success
Betts' performance in this postseason is impressive, with 13 hits in 44 at-bats in 11 games, 4 home runs, 12 RBIs, and a batting average of .295. Meanwhile, Ohtani has also been showing stable performance, with 12 hits in 42 at-bats in 11 games, 3 home runs, 10 RBIs, and a batting average of .286.
Don't forget to be respectful towards others
Before the game, Betts commented on the Yankees' Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, "They can do anything on the field," and "It's hard to beat them when you have versatile players like them." However, he also showed his enthusiasm for the fight, saying, "But that's what makes it fun. That's what the World Series is all about."
Freeman's dramatic showdown
In the 10th extra inning, the Yankees gave up a run and the Dodgers were behind again. However, with one out and runners on first and second, Ohtani was out on a fly ball to left field, but the defense allowed the runner on second to advance to third. After that, Betts was walked, and with the bases loaded, Freeman hit a walk-off grand slam over the right field fence.
A united team victory
At the moment of this dramatic victory, Ohtani jumped out of the bench in excitement and greeted Freeman with a smile at home plate. In a post-game interview, Ohtani expressed his joy, saying, "We were able to bring the best way to win to the first game."
Future outlook
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is set to start in Game 2. Ohtani said, "I'll do my best to carry this momentum into tomorrow." The powerful batting lineup centered around Betts and Ohtani will surely attract attention in the future.
Team evolution
Although Ohtani joined the Dodgers midway through the season, he was able to smoothly integrate into the team thanks to the support of veteran players such as Betts and Freeman. As a result, the team's overall strength has improved even further.
summary
This game was a symbolic one in which the two superstars, Ohtani and Betts, played their respective roles perfectly. The combination of Ohtani's powerful double and Betts' powerful sacrifice fly led the team to victory.
In the upcoming series, the performance of the offensive team, centered around these two players, will be the key to the Dodgers' victory. This showdown between the two great teams, the first in 43 years, has already become a legendary one.
The two teams are equally matched, and the game will be even more exciting to watch. Baseball fans are excited to see what kind of drama the two stars, Ohtani and Betts, with their different personalities, will create.
Comments