Game 1 of the World Series was an euphoric feeling for Los Angeles Dodgers fans.

After Los Angeles struggled through a low-scoring, extra-inning game against the New York Yankees, Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off grand slam against a starting pitcher familiar to Mariners fans, giving the Dodgers a 6-3 victory and a 1-1 lead. gave a score of . Leading 0 in the World Series.

Grand slam had many similarities Seattle’s On October 11, 2022, they lost 8-7 to the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the American League Division Series. Mariners starter Robbie Ray entered this game in the bottom of the ninth before giving up a home run to Yordan Alvarez.

Ironically, Freeman’s walk-off grand slam on Friday came against a former Seattle pitcher.

Nestor Cortes entered the game in the bottom of the 10th, taking on two runners and intentionally walking Mookie Betts across from Freeman, who had been dealing with an ankle injury for most of the playoffs.

That decision turned out to be wrong, and the result was a grand slam for the former National League MVP.

Cortes played for the Mariners during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. He made five appearances for Seattle (one start) and posted an astronomical 15.26 ERA. He gave up 14 runs on 12 hits (13 earned) in 7.2 innings pitched with just eight strikeouts.

Cortes elected free agency after the season and has since played four seasons in New York. He moved into a starting role after being used as a reliever for the previous three years of his career.

It’s a unique twist of fate that two left-handed starters used in relief roles in high-pressure situations over the last three years both gave up walk-off home runs and are both former Seattle pitchers.

This probably isn’t a trend the Mariners hope to continue.

MARINERS FANS react chillingly to HOME RUN: Nestor Cortes gave up a walk-off grand slam to Freddie Freeman in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday, reminding Seattle Mariners fans of a similar image and scenario in 2022. CLICK HERE

MARINERS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT SHOWS VIDEO SHOWING FIRST ROUND SELECTION’S UNIQUE SKILLS: The Seattle Mariners shared a video on social media showing off the skills of first-round pick Jurrangelo Cijntje. CLICK HERE

ANALYSIS: LIKELIHOOD OF TOP SAILOR OPPORTUNITIES TO BE CALLED UP IN 2025: The Seattle Mariners have arguably the best farm system in baseball; However, there may not be as many opportunities for top prospects to make an impact on the team in 2025. CLICK HERE

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