The Los Angeles Dodgers orchestrated a thrilling comeback to defeat the New York Yankees 8-5 on Friday night in a highly anticipated World Series rematch that echoed the intensity of an October contest. The game saw reigning MVPs Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani make history by both homering in the first inning.

The offensive fireworks began early. Aaron Judge launched his 19th homer of the season, a 446-foot blast into dead center off Dodgers starter Tony Gonsolin. Shohei Ohtani quickly responded for the Dodgers, sending a 417-foot shot out on the first pitch he saw from Yankees starter Max Fried. This marked a rare occasion where both reigning MVPs homered in the opening frame. The Yankees continued to build their lead with a solo homer from Austin Wells and a two-run shot by Trent Grisham in the second inning, pushing New York ahead 4-1. Paul Goldschmidt, another former MVP, added a solo homer for the Dodgers in the third, making the score 5-2 in favor of the Yankees.

However, reminiscent of Game 5 of last year's World Series, the Yankees could not hold onto their lead. The Dodgers mounted a decisive four-run rally in the sixth inning, batting around to seize control. Ohtani ignited the comeback with his second home run of the game, a solo shot to lead off the inning. Teoscar Hernández and Will Smith followed with singles, and Freddie Freeman delivered an RBI double, which also chased Fried from the game. Andy Pages then hit a game-tying RBI single off reliever Jonathan Loáisiga. With the bases loaded, Tim Hill walked Michael Conforto on six pitches, forcing in Pages with the go-ahead run and putting the Dodgers up 6-5.

The Dodgers added two insurance runs in the seventh inning. Will Smith singled, and Freddie Freeman doubled. Both runners scored on a two-run single by Andy Pages off Yerry De Los Santos, extending the lead to 8-5. Freeman was notably safe on a close play at the plate after making a wide turn around third base.

Shohei Ohtani had a stellar night, finishing with two home runs. This performance continued his recent hot streak, with five home runs in his last five games, three of which have come in the first inning, and two (including Friday's) on the first pitch he faced. Freddie Freeman contributed significantly with three hits, including his crucial RBI double. Andy Pages was also a key offensive player, with two hits and three RBIs.

On the pitching side, Dodgers starter Tony Gonsolin endured a tough outing, giving up four home runs. In relief, Tanner Scott entered in the eighth inning with runners at the corners and retired pinch-hitter DJ LeMahieu on a flyout to end the threat; Scott has had some rocky outings with blown saves recently. Alex Vesia pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his second save of the season. For the Yankees, Max Fried was charged with the loss. The teams were meeting for the first time since the Dodgers defeated the Yankees to win their eighth world championship.

Looking ahead, the series continues on Saturday with Yankees RHP Will Warren scheduled to start against Dodgers RHP Landon Knack.