LOS ANGELES — The New York Yankees’ return to Dodger Stadium, the site of their heartbreaking Game 1 collapse in the 2024 World Series, was billed as one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2025 season. It began in historic fashion, with Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani—the two reigning MVPs—homering in the same inning, marking the first time in MLB history that two MVPs had gone deep in the same frame.
But in the end, it was Ohtani’s Dodgers who emerged victorious, rallying from an early deficit to defeat the Yankees 8-5 in a thrilling Friday night showdown.
MVP vs. MVP: Judge and Ohtani Deliver Instant Classic
The game started with fireworks as Judge crushed a first-pitch fastball from Dodgers starter Walker Buehler into the left-field stands, silencing the Dodger Stadium crowd. But Ohtani wasted no time responding, launching a 427-foot missile off Yankees ace Max Fried in the bottom of the first, electrifying the home fans.
It was the first time two reigning MVPs had homered in the same inning of the same game, setting the tone for a heavyweight battle.
Ohtani wasn’t done. In the sixth inning, with the Yankees leading 5-2, he blasted another homer—his 15th of May, tying a Dodgers franchise record for most home runs in a single month—to ignite a four-run rally that flipped the game on its head.
“He’s impressive,” Judge said of Ohtani after the game. “He’s one of the best players in the game for a reason. What he can do in the box, on the basepaths, and once he gets back on the mound—it’s special.”
Dodgers’ Comeback Echoes World Series Magic
The Yankees appeared in control early, thanks to Fried’s dominance (he entered the game 7-0 with a 1.29 ERA) and Judge’s all-around brilliance (a homer, a double, and a diving catch to rob Teoscar Hernández of extra bases). But just like in the 2024 World Series, the Dodgers clawed back.
After Ohtani’s sixth-inning homer, Freddie Freeman (hitting .368) delivered an RBI double, Andy Pages drove in two with a clutch single, and Michael Conforto drew a bases-loaded walk to put L.A. ahead. Pages added two more RBIs in the seventh, sealing the comeback.
“That was just a pretty good ballgame right there to beat Max Fried, who is probably one of the top five pitchers in the game right now,” Freeman said. “To score that many runs off him is very hard to do.”
Yankees’ Bullpen Struggles, Dodgers’ Resiliency Shines
The Yankees’ bullpen, missing key arms, couldn’t hold the lead, while the Dodgers’ patchwork relief corps—missing Evan Phillips (Tommy John surgery) and several other high-leverage arms—somehow held firm.
“Some of the stars really shone tonight,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. But in the end, Ohtani’s heroics and the Dodgers’ relentless offense proved too much.
What’s Next?
- Ohtani’s Pitching Progress: He’s set to face live hitters Saturday, inching closer to a post-All-Star break return to the mound.
- Judge’s Pursuit: Despite the loss, Judge (.392 AVG, 19 HR) remains an MVP frontrunner.
- Betts’ Absence: The Dodgers will be without Mookie Betts (fractured toe) for the entire series, robbing fans of a historic three-MVP lineup (Judge, Ohtani, Betts).
Final Thoughts
This game lived up to the hype, delivering MVP moments, dramatic comebacks, and World Series-level intensity. If this is a preview of a potential 2025 Fall Classic rematch, baseball fans are in for a treat.
Game 2 of the series is set for Saturday night. Can the Yankees bounce back, or will Ohtani and the Dodgers continue their dominance.
