Cuban pitcher Néstor Cortés allows a grand slam, and the Dodgers walk off against the Yankees.

In an exciting start to the 2024 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 6-3 in the first game, thanks to a dramatic grand slam by Freddie Freeman in the tenth inning, which sent the New York team off the field.

The hit occurred against the Cuban Néstor Cortés, who was returning to the mound after weeks of inactivity due to an injury.

The game, which kept fans on edge from the first pitch, ended in controversy due to Yankees manager Aaron Boone's decision to bring in Cortés in a high-pressure situation.

With runners on first and second base and no outs, the Cuban pitcher faced Shohei Ohtani, managing to overpower him. However, he was then punished by Freeman, who hit a grand slam on the very first pitch, sealing the victory for the Dodgers.

Criticism of the use of Néstor Cortés

The press and Yankees fans have criticized Boone for using Cortés in this context. The Cuban is a natural starter, not a reliever, and he hadn't seen action for several weeks due to his recovery from an injury.

According to critics, the stress of the situation was too high for a player who was not in peak physical condition, and Boone's decision was deemed too risky. "The demands were very high for the Cuban," noted Cuban journalist Yasel Porto on social media.

Oswaldo Cabrera, the Yankees' second baseman, also faced criticism for failing to field a crucial ball in the previous inning, which allowed the Dodgers to keep the pressure on the New York pitchers.

Boone defended his decision, arguing that he trusted Cortés' ability to handle the situation and that the circumstances of the game required his best available arm.

However, critics pointed out that bringing in a pitcher who was not accustomed to relief situations, and who was also coming off an injury, was not the best strategy in a scenario as important as the World Series.

Match Statistics

The game was one of the most exciting remembered in a recent World Series, with both teams putting on a performance worthy of a championship finale.

Freeman was the hero of the game with his grand slam, which sealed the victory in the tenth inning. He finished the night with 5 hits and 2 runs, driving in four RBIs.

Cortés faced defeat after giving up a grand slam, allowing four runs in just one-third of an inning pitched.

The Yankees' starter, Gerrit Cole, pitched seven solid innings, allowing two runs and striking out nine batters.

On his part, the Dodgers' starter, Julio Urías, pitched six innings, allowing three runs, all earned, while striking out seven Yankees batters.

Right decision or monumental mistake?

Cortés's entry has divided fans' opinions. Some argue that Boone was limited in his bullpen options, while others believe that the decision to bring in an out-of-shape pitcher in such a complex situation was a mistake.

The truth is that the outcome left the Yankees at a disadvantage in this seven-game series, and the pressure is now on them to make a comeback in the second game.

The opening game of the World Series was a spectacular start, filled with drama and emotions up to the tenth inning, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what will come in the upcoming matches, while the controversy over the Yankees' pitching management remains a hot topic in New York.