NEW YORK — Freddie Freeman matched George Springer’s record by hitting home runs in five consecutive World Series games, launching a two-run blast off Clarke Schmidt of the New York Yankees in the first inning. This impressive play placed the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead 2-0 in Game 3 on Monday evening.

Chasing their second championship in five years, the Dodgers entered this matchup with a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-seven series. Shohei Ohtani made his appearance just two days after partially dislocating his left shoulder, managing to secure a walk on four pitches to start the game. After Mookie Betts was retired, Freeman connected with a high cutter during a 1-2 count, sending the ball deep into right field, nearly five rows up in the lower deck.

Freeman had already homered in the last two contests against Houston during the 2021 World Series, and his success continued as he has now hit in all three games played thus far in the current series. The accomplished player, an eight-time All-Star and the 2020 National League MVP, has driven in seven runs during these crucial playoff games.

Previously, Freeman injured his right ankle while attempting to avoid a tag at first base during a match against San Diego on September 26. This injury sidelined him for the last three games of the regular season. His game-winning grand slam in the 10th inning of Game 1 on Friday helped the Dodgers secure a 6-3 victory and marked his first home run since mid-September. He also contributed to back-to-back homers in Game 2, following Teoscar Hernández’s hit in the third inning.

George Springer had previously struck home runs in Games 4 through 7 during the 2017 World Series when the Astros defeated the Dodgers for the title. He also hit another home run in the opening game of the 2019 World Series against Washington.