LOS ANGELES — Major drama occurred in the opening game of the 2024 World Series that may have decided which team won Game 1.
With the score tied 2-2 in the top of the ninth inning between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, New York second baseman Gleyber Torres drilled a line drive ball 383 feet to left field.
As the ball was coming down, a fan reached out over the railing and snagged it in his glove. For a moment, it appeared as a home run to put the Yankees ahead 3-2.
But Dodgers left fielder Teoscar Hernández flailed his arms in protest, saying the fan interfered with the ball. After MLB officials reviewed the play, Torres was sent back to second base with two outs.
After an intentional walk of Yankees star Juan Soto, Dodgers pitcher Blake Treinen got Aaron Judge to pop out and end the inning.
The fan was escorted out of Dodger Stadium by security.
The controversial play drew comparisons to legendary fan interference call such as Yankees fan Jeffrey Maier at the 1996 ALCS who reached over the stands at Yankee Stadium to aid Derek Jeter’s home run.
Los Angeles went on to win the game 6-3 on a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning by Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman.
“It might be the greatest baseball moment I’ve ever witnessed,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said postgame. “Just that swing, you knew it was gone. Pure elation. You don’t see teams celebrate after a game with a walk-off like that, but it was certainly warranted.”
Game 2 is Saturday night in Los Angeles at 8:08 p.m. ET. The Yankees will turn to left-hander Carlos Rodón while the Dodgers will start rookie right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
