As the 2024 World Series unfolds, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves on the precipice of capturing another championship, largely due to the extraordinary performances of Freddie Freeman. Despite nursing a sprained left ankle, Freeman has stepped up in a way that few could have anticipated, delivering clutch plays and timely hitting against the New York Yankees.
Freeman's Unyielding Performance
Freeman, who has played in every game of the series, has been nothing short of spectacular. He has homered in each of the first three games, aiding the Dodgers in securing a commanding 3-0 lead over the Yankees. What's more remarkable is that Freeman has achieved a streak of home runs spanning five consecutive World Series games, a feat that underscores his critical role in the team's success.
This streak didn't come easy for Freeman. Leading into the World Series, the star first baseman hadn’t managed an extra-base hit since late September and went without a home run since mid-September. His pre-series performance stats were concerning, as he was just 1 for his last 15 at the plate during previous playoff rounds. Yet, as October's tide turned, so too did Freeman's fortunes.
Turning the Tide
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts sheds light on what might have sparked Freeman's resurgence. “Not surprised he's performing at this level. He's been very good in the postseason throughout his career. I think it's just the six days before this series was huge -- or the five days, I think it was -- that gave him a chance to kind of get out of the woods,” Roberts stated. This opportunity for rest and recalibration appears to have rejuvenated Freeman, allowing him to deliver his team to the brink of baseball’s pinnacle.
Freeman's contributions are not limited to just his continued home run success. He has been the linchpin in two critical victories, hitting game-winning RBIs in Games 1 and 3. His heroics in Game 1 included a walk-off grand slam that catapulted the Dodgers to a dramatic victory, while his efforts in Game 3 sealed a 4-2 win, further tightening the team's grip on the series.
Indeed, Freeman's postseason prowess is well-noted. Of his 13 career postseason homers, eight have been lead-giving shots, a testament to his ability to deliver in pressure-packed, game-defining moments.
In the Spotlight
As Freeman continues his remarkable series, discussions around him being the frontrunner for the World Series MVP have naturally emerged. His timely hitting and leadership have been vital, and his performance serves as a testament to his understanding of the game’s grand stage. Roberts recognizes this resilience and strategic play, complimenting Freeman by saying, “So now that we're out of the woods, I think it's manageable, sustainable. Even going first to third, he did a good job going first to third. I don't think we cashed that one in. Just I think that he's in a really good spot. Obviously with the swings that he's taken, he can stay firm on his front side.”
Freeman's resilience and outstanding level of play offer a crucial revelation: in the postseason cauldron, where pressure can buckle the unprepared, Freddie Freeman has thrived. His ability to overcome injury and slump is emblematic of a player whose talent and tenacity invariably shine through when stakes are at their peak.
The Dodgers, with a commanding advantage in the series, owe much of their success to Freeman's exploits. As they stand on the doorstep of glory, the spotlight remains firmly on their leader, whose determination and clutch performances epitomize the heart and spirit of this Dodgers squad.