A Rivalry Rekindled Under the Spotlight

The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers reignited their historic rivalry on Friday night in a highly anticipated World Series rematch, broadcast exclusively on Apple TV+. This clash marked the first meeting between the 2024 Fall Classic opponents since the Dodgers clinched their seventh championship last October—and it delivered everything fans expected and more.

The Stars Steal the Show

Aaron Judge: Dominance from the First Pitch

Yankees captain Aaron Judge, fresh off a historic 2024 season where he became the first player since Barry Bonds to hit 60 home runs and achieve a 1.200+ OPS, set the tone early. Leading off the first inning against Dodgers ace Tony Gonsolin, he launched a 446-foot solo home run to center field—his 19th of the season—to tie Seattle’s Cal Raleigh for the American League lead.

Shohei Ohtani: A Two-Way Force Unleashed

Shohei Ohtani, now fully dedicated to hitting after stepping away from pitching in 2025, answered Judge’s statement with a vengeance. Facing Yankees starter Max Fried, he crushed a first-pitch fastball for his MLB-leading 21st home run of the year—a leadoff shot that electrified Dodger Stadium. This display reinforced his status as baseball’s most dynamic offensive threat.

Beyond the Individual Brilliance

For the Yankees, this game was a chance to avenge their World Series loss. Their lineup, anchored by Judge’s .391 batting average and 1.227 OPS, along with stars like Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt, has propelled them to the AL’s best record (35-20) and a +113 run differential.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, face challenges with key injuries—including Mookie Betts’ torn labrum—and entered the series as defending champions but under pressure to prove their depth. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the “playoff atmosphere” in postgame remarks, despite Betts’ absence.

The Game Unfolds

After Judge’s opener, the Yankees added to their lead in the second inning via back-to-back homers from Austin Wells and Trent Grisham. Fried (the Yankees’ $218M offseason acquisition) dominated for six innings, allowing just one run and striking out seven. Gonsolin struggled, walking five in 4.1 innings.

The Dodgers’ late rally fell short, as the Yankees’ bullpen secured a 6-2 victory—their 17th win in 21 games. Judge called it a “statement” night, though both teams remain focused on the long season ahead.

Looking Ahead

Saturday’s Fox-televised game features Yankees rookie Jasson Domínguez against Dodgers ace Julio Urías. Sunday’s ESPN showdown pits Gerrit Cole against Dustin May, with the series’ outcome potentially shaping another World Series showdown.

As Judge and Ohtani battle for supremacy, their rivalry encapsulates the 2025 MLB season: a pursuit of greatness under relentless scrutiny. For fans, this series blends star power, stakes, and history like few others.