Andrew’s One Good and One Bad (Game 1, World Series)

Andrew’s One Good and One Bad

By Andrew Hefner

October 26, 2024

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Well, I had to rewrite this article a few times and come up with some new ideas throughout last night's game, but I think I was finally able to find two appropriate details to share.

Although the game ended in heartbreak, this is just the beginning, and from what I saw last night, I think that the Yankees are set up for success.

Now, following Game 1 of the 2024 World Series, let’s take a look at One Good and One Bad from last night's game.

The Good

I was astonished by the quality of play from a few players last night and the strategy shown (offensively… don't get me started on the pitching).

I want to especially point out the Yankees' offense in the top of the 10th inning, and more specifically the excellent base running from Jazz Chisholm Jr. By being the first to get on base, in a situation like this, he is expected to find a way to get into scoring position. Jazz did much more than just that. He first stole second easily, making it in way before the tag, all while Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen knew he was going to steal. After swiping second, Jazz then bolted for third, prompting no throw and setting up a base runner just 90 feet away with Anthony Volpe at the plate. While Volpe didn't have the best contact of the night, he put the ball in play hard enough and far enough where Jazz was able to glide into home, putting the Yankees ahead. This series of events made me incredibly happy and I hope that when Jazz does continue to get on base in this series, he utilizes his speed to his advantage. Volpe then swiped the empty bag at second, once again setting up another RBI situation, but unfortunately, Austin Wells was unable to convert. Still, I was enormously impressed by the base coaching and running and hope that this precedent will continue for the foreseeable future. 

The Bad

I hope that anyone who watched that game could recognize at least a few potential spots of weakness for this current Yanks team, but for tonight, I just want to focus on the choice to use Nestor Cortes. Now normally, I would have nothing against Nestor. I love him and I think he has an amazing personality, when at his best, he has the potential to be a top pitcher in the league.

Unfortunately, he was placed in a bases-loaded situation… in extras… in the World Series… and hadn't pitched in over a month due to injury. All of these factors created the perfect storm as the first pitch he threw to Freddie Freeman was a 92 MPH fastball right in the strike zone, leading to a grand slam to end the game.

Nestor was not added to the World Series roster for situations like this. Tim Hill was also warming in the bullpen, and since he was also a lefty like Boone was looking for, I believe he would have been a far more appropriate choice for the bottom of the 10th. There were just so many factors aiming against bringing in Nestor in this situation and although I do applaud Boone’s willingness to get him involved in the game, this just wasn’t the right time. The Yankees have a talented bullpen, so next time they need to utilize it a bit better (like also not bringing in Clay Holmes in a tight game).

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I’m so excited for the rest of this series as last night was complete chaos, and I assume the rest of the games will be as well. Yamamoto and Rodon bump day is here as well, so another early pitcher's duel may be in the works. Expect Tim Hill to be out there at some point tonight instead of last night, and let us hope that the Yankees offense continues to show signs of life and improvement. I love getting to experience the World Series and let’s hope that at the end of tonight, it will be even once again.