### Boone's Decision Costs Yankees in Dramatic World Series Game 1

Yankees manager Aaron Boone made a crucial decision in the bottom of the 10th inning of World Series Game 1 that has raised eyebrows and sparked heated debate. With a 3-2 lead and the Dodgers' MVP trio of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman coming up, Boone chose to summon Nestor Cortes to the mound. This move, intended to neutralize the opposition, backfired dramatically.

Cortes was called upon despite not having pitched in a game since September 18 due to a flexor strain in his elbow. Boone expressed his conviction in the matchup, citing Cortes's history against Ohtani. However, the decision did not account for Cortes's lack of recent game experience. Facing Freeman with the tying and winning runs on base, Cortes gave up a walk-off grand slam, marking the first in World Series history.

Before the game, Boone had talked about wanting to protect Cortes and use him wisely. However, placing him in such a high-pressure situation contradicted these intentions. The choice to bypass other options, such as side-arming southpaw Tim Hill, who was effective throughout the season, added to the controversy. Hill, known for his ability to induce ground balls, could have been a better defensive option, especially with Ohtani’s speed.

The Dodgers took advantage of Boone's gamble, aided by their rest and recovery during the break between series. Freeman's triumphant homer not only showcased his resolve to play through injury but also underscored the effectiveness of the Dodgers’ strategy. Freeman’s performance, coming off previous rounds where he had struggled to secure extra-base hits, proved pivotal.

Other Yankees players also had their share of mistakes that contributed to the loss. Aaron Judge struggled at the plate, and fielding errors from Juan Soto and Oswaldo Cabrera allowed the Dodgers extra bases, setting the stage for the dramatic finish. Despite these faults, Boone’s decision remains the focal point, potentially marking Game 1 as a turning point in the series, reminiscent of more infamous managerial blunders in baseball history.

Game 1 was a rollercoaster, featuring defensive highlights, multiple lead changes, and clutch homers from both sides. As the Yankees prepare to bounce back, they must confront both their strategic missteps and the formidable Dodgers lineup. The series still has several games to go, but Boone’s decision will be remembered unless redeemed by future victories.