Yankees' worst loss from Game 1 of the World Series

Forget the tied-up Freddie Freeman's walk-off grand slam.

Forget the questionable bullpen decisions, like using Nestor Cortes in a high-leverage spot with the game on the line in extra innings after he didn't pitch for over a month because of his elbow flexor strain.

The New York Yankees' 1-0 loss in the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers after a heartbreaking loss in Game 1 has larger implications.

For the Yankees to break their 15-year title drought, they needed to take advantage of the likely two games their star Gerrit Cole started in this series.

Cole had an outstanding performance in Game 1, going more than six innings and allowing just one run while striking out four batters. However, manager Aaron Boone retired him after 88 pitches and instead walked Clay Holmes in the seventh inning after leadoff batter Teoscar Hernandez singled.

By not pushing Cole further, Boone was forced to use all of his powerful arms in Holmes, Tommy Kahnle and Luke Weaver. The Dodgers tied it in the eighth inning with a sacrifice fly and the game ultimately went to the extras.

By the time the 10th inning was over, Boone's options were limited. Righty Jake Cousins ​​struck out first before walking a batter and allowing a single. Then Cortes faced left-hander Shohei Ohtani, whose foul hit Alex Verdugo's glove in a spectacular play. But after the Yankees intentionally passed Mookie Betts to load the bases to face a left-handed batter with Freeman, Freeman clinched the game with his undoubtedly game-winning grand slam.

The Yankees missed a strong performance from Cole that could have dealt them a blow. The 2023 AL Cy Young winner is the best pitcher in this series and New York needed to capitalize on a game in which he pitched in elite form. They didn't succeed in this, they lost their lead late on and were lost to extras.