Juan Soto owns defensive shortcomings in Game 1, as sloppy play stifles Yankees

In a dramatic Game 1 of the 2024 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers edged out the New York Yankees, due in part to a series of defensive mistakes by the Yankees. Dodgers center fielder Kiké Hernández hit a triple in the fifth inning due to an unsuccessful catch attempt by Yankees' Juan Soto, who misjudged the flight path of the ball. Soto's defensive lapse helped the Dodgers take an initial 1-0 lead.

Later, Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani capitalized on another defensive miscue in the eighth inning. He doubled off the wall, and Soto's bobbled throw allowed Ohtani to advance to third, which led to another run for the Dodgers when Mookie Betts hit a sacrifice fly. These errors led to both of the Dodgers' runs.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone's decision-making also faced scrutiny. He replaced Gleyber Torres with Jasson Domínguez as a pinch-runner after Torres hit a double in the ninth inning. In extra innings, Oswaldo Cabrera's error allowed a ground ball to trickle into the outfield, potentially affecting the Yankees' defensive setup against Ohtani.

Ohtani was then walked intentionally to face Freddie Freeman, who scored a walk-off grand slam, clinching the game for the Dodgers. These defensive blunders were critical in the Yankees losing their chance to take the lead in the World Series.