NEW YORK −The Los Angeles Dodgers are finally getting their parade and considering how they’ve persevered through a litany of injuries, finding ways to win unconventionally all season, no one would be surprised if they showed up and their parade floats had flat tires.

“It hasn’t been easy,’’ Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, “not at all.’’

Really, it was only appropriate that the Dodgers won the World Series, 7-6, over the New York Yankees, in a fashion that befits their season in front of a crowd of 49,463 at Yankee Stadium.

The Dodgers used eight different pitchers, a starter as their closer, and took advantage of a comedy of Yankee errors to pull off the greatest comeback in a clinching game in World Series history.

The Dodgers dominated the Yankees in every phase of the game, and it was on clear display in their clinching game, winning the Series 4-games-to-1.

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The Dodgers, who trailed 3-0 in the first inning and 5-0 in the third, tied the game in the fifth on three Yankee blunders and went onto win their second title in five years.

Only this time, they’ll have a parade to go with it. There was no celebration, no parade after the won it in 2020 during the pandemic with a 60-game shortened season.

This will be their first parade since their 1988 World Series title back in the days of Tommy Lasorda, Kirk Gibson, Orel Hershiser and Mike Scioscia.

“It’s historic for our franchise to win another World Series,’’ Roberts said, “certainly against a great organization as the Yankees. Just excited for our players, our fans.

“I believe in this group,’’ Roberts said. “I love this group.’’

What’s not to love about this resilient group?

They were hit with devastating injuries, 15 pitchers going on the injured list and All-Stars Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy sidelined for months at a time.

Instead of wilting, the Dodgers survived and are sitting atop the baseball world.

“You never foresee a season like we’ve gone through,’’ Roberts said, “but you’ve still got guys that are upright and are talented, and we’ve taken a hit. So, it’s an organizational kind of thing …

“It’s about getting the right players, the right people. Talent is a lot, but it’s not everything. You still have to be cohesive. I just think we do a great job of getting the right players in our clubhouse.’’

In many ways, says Roberts, his team reminds him of himself, who cemented his spot into the Baseball Hall of Fame with two World Series championships and four pennants.

“They’re just more talented, but they do remind me of me,’’ Roberts said. “I had the toughness, but I didn’t have the talent of Mookie Betts. I love people that fight. I don’t know if it’s my football background, but the playoffs, as I’ve said many times, it’s a fight. It’s a scrap. It’s a dogfight. It has to be that way.’’

And oh, did they fight.

The Yankees had a 5-0 lead in the third inning and were cruising with Gerrit Cole on the mound.

Then, along came one of the greatest meltdowns in World Series history.

Kiké Hernández led off the fifth inning with a sharp single to center for the Dodgers’ first hit of the game, setting up a trio of blunders that will haunt the Yankees all winter.

Tommy Edman followed with a routine fly ball to center fielder Aaron Judge, who had made a spectacular catch to rob Freeman of at least a double in the fourth inning. This time, just as he was about to make the routine catch, he momentarily took his eyes off the ball and it caromed off his glove. Hernández was so fooled that he was retreating back to first base and barely scampered to second in time.

Yankee first baseman Anthony Rizzo went to the mound to settle down Cole. Cole did his job, inducing a ground ball to shortstop Anthony Volpe, who went to his right and threw to third base trying for the force-out. Oops, the ball bounced in the dirt, off third baseman Jazz Chisholm’s glove and everyone was safe.

Cole, with his finest pitching of the night, struck out Gavin Lux for the first out. He then struck out Shohei Ohtani for the second out. And he was on his way to miraculously getting out of the jam when Betts hit a cue ball to Rizzo.

Rizzo scooped it up behind the bag, was ready to flip the ball to Cole at first, but Cole never moved. He thought Rizzo was taking it himself. Rizzo thought Cole was covering first. Everyone was safe and the first run scored.

Cole became unnerved. The next thing anyone knew, there was Freeman hitting a two-run single up the middle, making it 5-3. There was Teoscar Hernandez hitting a two-run double into the right-center gap, and just like that the game was tied.

The stadium became completely quiet with no one quite believing what they were seeing.

Cole then walked Max Muncy, and the inning mercifully ended, when Kiké Hernández grounded out to Volpe.

But the damage was done.

Cole still managed to stick around for 6 ⅔ innings, throwing 108 pitches, departing with a 6-5 lead, and the game became a battle of the bullpens.

The Dodgers opting to rest their high-leverage relievers while punting away Game 4, looked like geniuses.

They sent a carousel of relievers to the mound, inning after inning, keeping the game close as the night went on, finally taking the lead with two runs in the eighth inning, thanks to a catcher’s interference call on Austin Wells.

And then it was Walker Buehler, who started Game 3, to shut the door, setting off a celebration heard all the way to California.

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The NFL’s Nov. 5 trade deadline is less than a week away. We have already seen multiple players moved. Who could be next?

Already, Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, DeAndre Hopkins and Diontae Johnson have been traded. There are rumors that more wide receivers could be dealt before the trade deadline expires. Multiple teams are also in need of offensive line help or searching to upgrade their pass rushing attack.

There’s been a flurry of deals, but we anticipate more on the horizon.

What are some ideal trades we would like to come into fruition? USA TODAY Sports examines the best fits for players who could be on the move prior to the NFL’s trade deadline:

NFL trade deadline best fits

Mike Williams, Jets

Best fit: Los Angeles Chargers

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The Jets relegated Williams to their fourth wide receiver after the team acquired Davante Adams. Williams logged 36 snaps and had zero targets in New York’s Week 8 loss to the Patriots.  Chemistry between Aaron Rodgers and Williams is off. Rodgers even threw Williams under the bus following the team’s Week 6 loss.

Williams ranks fifth on the Jets in both catches (11) and receiving yards (160). He’s turned into an afterthought in his first season with the Jets. There is a concern whether Williams is still laboring from a 2023 torn ACL. He hasn’t shown much big-play ability since his knee injury that occurred during Week 3 of last season while he was a member of the Chargers.

Speaking of the Chargers, Jim Harbaugh’s club desperately needs an X receiver who Justin Herbert can go to on third down and in the red zone. Los Angeles ranks in the bottom half of the league in passing yards and 30th in red zone efficiency. Williams compiled 309 catches, 4,806 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns in a Chargers uniform. A reunion would be advantageous for both parties.

Jonathan Jones, Patriots

Best fit: Washington Commanders

Jones statistically in having a down year, but that could be a byproduct of his surroundings. He’s shown the ability to cover the opposing team’s best wide receiver and is competitive in coverage. He’s registered 21 passes defensed and four interceptions in his past 37 regular-season games. The ninth-year defensive back would be Washington’s best corner upon arrival.

Travis Etienne, Jaguars

Best fit: Dallas Cowboys

Tank Bigsby’s emergence has made Etienne expendable. Bigsby leads the Jaguars in rushing attempts, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. Plus, he’s produced four plays of over 20 yards, while Etienne only has two.

Etienne is a versatile running back who can catch passes out of the backfield, but Jacksonville preference is to hand Bigsby the football on run plays between the tackles.

The Jaguars are headed toward an inevitable rebuild. An Etienne trade can give Jacksonville additional draft compensation. The running back has trade value around the NFL. He’s surpassed 1,400 yards from scrimmage in his first two seasons and he’s just 25 years old.

The Cowboys rank dead last in the NFL in rushing. They average just 3.4 yards a carry. Ezekiel Elliott is past his prime and Rico Dowdle isn’t a starting caliber running back. The Cowboys miss Tony Pollard, who they let walk in free agency following 2023. Etienne would immediately step in and fill the void at RB.

Za’Darius Smith, Browns

Best fit: Detroit Lions

Cleveland’s actions indicate that they are sellers as the trade deadline looms. The Browns’ decision to trade Amari Cooper preceded Deshaun Watson’s season-ending Achilles injury. There are rumors that the Browns are shopping Smith, too.

Smith’s has a team-best five sacks. Smith and Myles Garrett are a formidable pass rushing tandem, but the Browns need to accumulate trade capital and offload future salary.

The Lions have a hole at defensive end after Aidan Hutchinson’s brutal leg injury. Smith isn’t the pass rusher Hutchinson is, but he’s plenty capable of generating pressure. The Browns and Lions both play a base 4-3 defense, so Smith would have a rather seamless transition. Plus, he has familiarity in the NFC North division, having played for the Packers and Vikings during his 10-year career.

Bryce Young, Panthers

Best fit: Los Angeles Rams

Young started Week 8 and is slated to start again in Week 9 after veteran QB Andy Dalton sprained his right thumb in an auto accident. Young had season-bests in passing yards (224) and touchdown passes (two) in Carolina’s loss last week, but it was undoubtedly his best performance in three starts this year. Panthers coach Dave Canales said Young played “fast” and “decisive” in the Week 8 defeat.

The Panthers say they have a plan for Young following the quarterback’s demotion after Week 2. However, a change of scenery might behoove both parties.

Young can play in the NFL but he needs an offensive scheme that caters to his skillset and talent around him to thrive. The Panthers are getting rid of talent, such as recently traded wide receiver Diontae Johnson.

Sean McVay’s tutelage could work wonders for the 2023 No.1 overall pick; McVay’s enhanced every quarterback he’s coached. The Alabama product could learn and develop under McVay veteran QB Matthew Stafford. Young’s accuracy, precision passing and pocket presence were attributes that made him the top quarterback in the 2023 draft. Yet, he’s struggled in all three areas during his NFL career. McVay is the type of coach who can unlock Young’s potential and restore the quarterback’s confidence.

Nate Davis, Bears

Best fit: Pittsburgh Steelers

Davis started the year as a starter, but he was benched after Week 2. The Bears made him inactive in Week 6 and Week 8, a sign that he’s dropped significantly on their depth chart.

The Bears signed the former Titan to a three-year, $30 million contract in March 2023. He was supposed to be a lynchpin along Chicago’s offensive line, but the Bears are apparently ready to move on. Davis is a talented offensive lineman, but his pass and run blocking declined during his two seasons in Chicago.

The Steelers have dealt with injuries along their offensive line since before the start of the regular season. Pittsburgh’s rumored to be in the market for a wide receiver. The Steelers could also shop around for offensive line depth.

Darius Slayton, Giants

Best fit: Houston Texans

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Stefon Diggs season-ending ACL injury “hurts”. Nico Collins is currently on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Collins is out for at least one more game after being placed on IR in Week 5. Needless to say, the Texans have been ravaged by injuries at wide receiver.

Collins was leading the NFL in receiving yards through the first six weeks. He’ll resume his role as Houston’s No. 1 target when he returns to the lineup and Tank Dell is a solid secondary option. Regardless, it’s going to be difficult for the Texans to makeup for the loss of Diggs.

Slayton can provide some big-play ability in ‘H-Town.’ The sixth-year wideout has five receptions of over 20 yards this year. Slayton would be the third or fourth receiving option in Houston, and he’d likely covered by the opposing team’s third or fourth best cornerback, which would give him an advantage.

Emmanuel Ogbah, Dolphins

Best fit: Atlanta Falcons

Ogbah’s produced at least 5.5 sacks in a season five times in his career. The ninth-year veteran has a high motor and is stout against the run. He’s had an increase role this year following Jaelan Phillips’ season-ending knee injury. But Ogbah turns 31 a day after the trade deadline, his contract expires after this year and the team recently signed veteran Tyus Bowser off the Seahawks’ practice squad.

Losers of five of their last six games, the Dolphins could offload talent if they feel this season is swimming away from them.

The Falcons have an NFL-low six sacks this season. Atlanta traded for Matthew Judon in August. However, Judon’s generated just 1.5 sacks. Judon’s seen his fair share of chip blocks and an occasional double teams. The Falcons can assist Judon by adding another veteran pass rusher opposite him.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

NEW YORK – In a matter of moments Wednesday night, the New York Yankees went from Juan Soto’s employer to just one of the 30 teams that might pay for his services next year.

Soto, the 26-year-old slugger and baseball’s most coveted free agent this winter, made it abundantly clear that while the Yankees will definitely have a chance to retain his services in bidding that will likely exceed $500 million, his decision will almost certainly be different than that of his power-hitting partner, Aaron Judge.

The Yankees moved relatively quickly to re-sign Judge to a nine-year, $360 million deal after he hit 53 home runs in 2022. But Judge was always a Yankee, homegrown, soon to be the captain.

Soto? He was a World Series champion at age 21, traded by the Washington Nationals by the time he was 23, dealt again to the Yankees before this season. That’s a lifetime of head-spinning moves in just a few years.

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And yes, the marriage was almost perfect: Soto hit a career-high 41 home runs, posted a .989 OPS, gave Judge a run for his money for AL MVP and then dominated the postseason, with a .327 average, four home runs, a 1.102 OPS and a pennant-clinching homer.

Yet it all ended in Game 5 of the World Series, a 7-6 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers nudging Soto out the door early Thursday morning.

His Yankee teammates badly want him back. Soto?

“I think every team has the same opportunities as I go into free agency,” he said after Game 5 at Yankee Stadium.

But the excitement of New York, the lore that comes with being a Yankee, the incredible partnership with Judge, the love he and his teammates claim they all feel in the home clubhouse – that creates the feeling Soto would prefer New York, right?

“I don’t think so,” Soto said unflinchingly. “I’m really happy with the city, with the team, but at the end of the day we’re going to look at every situation, every offer we get, and take it from there.

“I don’t know what teams will want to come after me, but I’ll be open to this and every single team. I don’t have any doors closed or anything like that. I’m going to be available to all 30 teams.”

OK, so the Tampa Bay Rays or Pittsburgh Pirates aren’t going to make a run at Soto. His market is realistically no more than a half-dozen teams, with clubs like San Francisco and Toronto still ravenous to make a splash in free agency, Philadelphia always a live dog and, as agent Scott Boras will tell the masses next week at the general manager’s meetings, a handful of mystery teams will emerge.

With that in mind, casting the Yankees as one of just 30 might be a little jarring to fans who fell in love with Soto this year and realize how important he is to their future.

Let alone his teammates.

“We were lucky to have him here and it would be great to keep playing with him,” says Judge, who probably enjoyed his best all-around season with Soto batting ahead of him.

“Because he’s a special player. I think everybody in this room wants him back. Besides looking at the stats, it’s the type of leader he is in this clubhouse, a lot of the little things that people don’t notice that make him one of the best if not the best player in the game.

“He’s a scientist up there. Definitely would love to see him in pinstripes for quite a long time.”

For now, Soto plans to sit down with Team Boras and wait. Boras clients are renowned for signing well into the free agency process, and although Soto won’t need to sit out a large chunk of spring training as the so-called Boras Four did this year, he’s willing to let the market come to him.

That’s not great news for the Yankees, who certainly knew there was no preemptive strike to be made. As anticipated, the question for them is, how badly do they want him?

The fans made their voices heard, serenading management with pleas to re-sign Soto at various times this year. Did the chants affect him?

“It will probably impact the decision of ownership,” Soto said with a laugh. “We will see how it goes.”

Judge says Soto should enjoy the free agent process and reap the fruits he earned through six years of service time that set him free. Fellow slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who signed a $325 million extension with Miami before a trade to New York, says he can’t offer Soto any free agent counsel.

 Well, maybe one morsel.

“Stay with us, maybe?” he asked.

It doesn’t hurt that the Yankees won 94 games and the AL pennant. Soto likely will go to the highest bidder but also a winning franchise – the two are often correlated – and New York has an advantage in that department over suitors such as the Giants and Blue Jays.

But come next month, they’re all on an even playing field until offers are made, countered, considered.

“It’s always great to have a champagne shower,” he says of the notion of a return to finish the job in New York. We will see what happens in the offseason.

“The Yankees are one of the teams. And we will go from there.”

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NEW YORK — Freddie Freeman clutched the World Series MVP trophy and hoisting it high into the air after the Los Angeles Dodgers’ championship Wednesday night, let his emotions seep out, knowing just what this meant to him.

Freeman carried the Dodgers to a five-game conquest, hitting a home run in each of the first four games, driving in a World Series franchise-record 12 runs.

‘This is everything,’ Freeman said.

Few people outside his own family have the slightest of the frustrations, angst and fear that he endured throughout the season, only to culminate in baseball’s ultimate prize.

“I really don’t think you guys have any idea what he’s put himself through to be able to play for this,’ Dodgers utilityman fielder Enrique Hernandez said. “Superhero [stuff].

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“I expect Freddie to never pay for a meal ever again in LA.’

DODGERS WIN WORLD SERIES: Celebrate with this commemorative coffee table book!

Freeman, who suffered a severely sprained right ankle on Sept. 26, didn’t even know he’d be healthy enough to play in the postseason, missing three games in the first two rounds. Then again, he didn’t know if he’d even play again when he took a leave of absence in late July to be with his son, Maximus, who was hospitalized for eight days in a pediatric intensive care unit, battling a rare neurological disorder.

He was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its nerves, causing weakness, numbness and paralysis. He had no feeling below his neck and was on a ventilator to reinforce his lungs.

“He didn’t deserve this,’ Freeman said when he returned in August. ‘No one deserves this, anybody who goes through this. It’s not just my family. We were going every night, and every room is filled in the [pediatric ICU]. And that is heartbreaking. So many families are going through things like this. We’re one of the lucky ones that got Guillain-Barré that he might have a full recovery. There are kids out there who are fighting for their lives right now. It just puts everything in perspective.

‘I know Dodger fans don’t like this, but I would gladly strike out with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning in Game 7 of the World Series 300 million times in a row than see that again.’

Well, not only is Maximus walking again and on his way to recovery, but Freddie Freeman certainly did not strike out with the bases loaded in the ninth inning in Game 7.

He not only hit a home run in each of the four games, but also set the Major League record by homering in six consecutive World Series games, stretching back to 2021 when he won the World Series with Atlanta.

Freeman, playing on a gimpy ankle that needed nearly five hours of treatment just to play, failing to produce an extra-base hit in the first two rounds of the postseason, put on one of the best power displays in World Series history.

He hit the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history in Game 1, a solo homer in Game 2, a two-run homer in Game 3, and another two-run homer in Game 4.

“It’s not just because of what he’s done [in the World Series],’ Hernandez said, “but because of what he’s done the last month to put himself in a position of where he can just show up and wear cleats.’

The biggest break, Freeman said, was that by losing Game 5 of the NLCS against the New York Mets, it forced the World Series to start three days later, giving Freeman four full days to recover.

“I really needed that,’ Freeman said. “That was huge for me.’

And a World Series difference-maker for the Dodgers.

“He’s given us everything,’ Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy said, “he’s literally given us his body. What Freddie has done is amazing.’

Says Dodgers second baseman Gavin Lux: “This guy’s been doing it one foot, and broken bones all over the place, and still putting his body on the line every day. … It’s been really fun to watch him do what he’s doing after everything he’s gone through this year.

“He’s the ultimate competitor. He’s just Freddie Freeman.’

He long has been one of the best players in the game, with a glossy resume: eight-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger, Gold Glove winner, eight top-10 MVP finishes and the 2020 MVP.

Yet, as great of a player as he is on the field, the Dodgers will tell you he’s even a finer person and one of the game’s greatest clubhouse leaders.

“He really is just one of those guys that has been unbelievable to be around, sit down, talk to,’ Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty said. “Even if it’s not baseball, just anything else that goes on. He’s a good dude. … He’s just one of the guys and somebody that really loves this game, really enjoys it and shows up every day.’

Freeman, 35, shrugs. That’s his DNA. He averaged 160 games a year for the past six years entering the season. If you’re not on the injured list, you better should be playing, Freeman believes.

“The last couple of months have been a lot,’ Freeman said, “but my job is to play baseball. That’s how I was raised. That’s what my job is. You do it every day, no matter the circumstances.’

That’s what World Series MVP winners do.

Dee and Jimmy Haslam are free to spend their money any way they see fit. If they want to waste it on support of an unrepentant sexual predator, well, it’s not the first time.

There is something distasteful, however, about the owners of the Cleveland Browns funding politicians and policies that would marginalize members of the public while asking those same members of the public to build them a new stadium.

A USA TODAY Sports review of federal election spending records found the Haslams gave $729,037 to Republican organizations this election cycle. That’s on top of money they gave locally, which includes $100,000 to defeat an anti-gerrymandering proposal on the Ohio ballot.

Why should Browns fans care about that? Gerrymandering makes elections less competitive by drawing political maps so they favor the party in power. As a result, our elections — our representation — are less democratic.

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The Gerrymandering Project currently rates Ohio as “poor,” giving the state a D for partisan fairness. According to The Associated Press, Ohio is about 54% Republican and 46% Democratic. Yet in 2022, Republicans won about 66% of Ohio House and congressional seats and 79% of the state Senate seats.

That means the Haslams are actively trying to disenfranchise some Ohio citizens, at least some of whom are Browns fans. At face value, it’s selfish and arrogant, believing their views are so superior that anyone who disagrees doesn’t deserve the chance to be heard.

‘The family has always approached their civic responsibility and political participation with great care, thought and purpose. Their sole intent is always to support candidates who are dedicated public servants with the leadership necessary to strengthen and improve communities in Ohio, Tennessee and nationwide,’ the Haslams said in a statement.

But there’s another, more troubling aspect to this.

The Haslams want to build a $2.4 billion stadium in the suburbs and have indicated they want the public to pay for half of it, with the state and local governments kicking in $600 million each.

And who would have to sign off on those state funds? You got it!

“There are a lot of theories for why people give, especially in large amounts. Special interest giving, or access or ingratiation with policy makers in a way that’s going to help their bottom line is (one) theory,” said Ian Vandewalker, senior counsel and manager of elections and government program at the Brennan Center, a nonpartisan law and policy institute dedicated to protecting democracy.

While there’s no guarantee stadium funding would be decided on party lines, the Haslams are likely to find more sympathy among Republican lawmakers, given their longtime support of the party. Which means it’s in their interest to ensure the current gerrymandered system stays in place for the stadium and many other issues.

“These things can often appear to be disconnected,” said Kenneth R. Mayer, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Wisconsin. “It wouldn’t be at all surprising for people to not make a strong link between gerrymandering and the success of the Cleveland Browns.”  

The Haslams are hardly the only sports owners who throw their money around in hopes of influencing policies and politicians. The USA TODAY Sports analysis of federal campaign finance records found that owners of 31 NFL teams (the Green Bay Packers are owned publicly) gave a little more than $28 million in this election cycle.

The vast majority of that money went to Republican candidates and causes.

Again, these owners can do what they want with their money. But is it really all their money? How much of it is a direct contribution from fans whose rights these owners might be restricting through their political donations?

Given that fans are the ones lining team owners’ pockets by watching games and buying tickets, concessions and merchandise, isn’t it a little unscrupulous for those owners to then prioritize their political interests at the expense of at least some fans?

Like when Jimmy Haslam contributes to the Jobs Freedom & Security PAC, which has a goal of overturning Obamacare, the program that has allowed millions of Americans to get health care. Or when Jerry Jones and Janice McNair donate to Ted Cruz, an architect of the scheme to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power and circumvent the will of the American people.

“These are people who, as a group, they’re going to tend to support policies that benefit them and their interests,” Mayer said. “If you were to talk to the Haslams, I’m sure they would deny what they’re doing has the effect of marginalizing their fans. But ultimately, I doubt they give a lot of thought to that.”

There are some owners who see themselves as public stewards, conscious that their decisions will affect their communities and their fans as well as themselves. But too many others are just out for themselves, and their political donations are one more example of that.

Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.

Kiké Hernandez and the Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2020 World Series but the parade to celebrate the feat never happened due to COVID-19.

“I won a World Series (in 2020) and I didn’t have a parade,’ Hernandez said during a National League Championship Series postgame interview. ‘A parade is all I want.’

Los Angeles officially has a parade scheduled after the Dodgers won the 2024 World Series with a 7-6 Game 5 victory over the New York Yankees on Wednesday.

When is the Dodgers championship parade?

The Dodgers and their fans will celebrate the 2024 World Series title on Friday, Nov. 1. The same day as Fernando Valenzuela’s birthday, who died on Oct. 22 due to an undisclosed illness.

All things Dodgers: Latest Los Angeles Dodgers news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

What time is the Dodgers’ parade?

The parade will begin at 2 p.m. ET (11 a.m. local time) at Gloria Molina Grand Park on Spring Street in front of Los Angeles City Hall.

What is the Dodgers’ parade route?

The Dodgers will travel on double-decker buses on a 45-minute parade route from 1st Street to Grand Avenue to 5th Street, culminating at the intersection of 5th and Flower Street.

What channel will the Dodgers’ parade be on?

Television coverage for the parade begins at 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. local time) and can be found on SportsNet LA among several Los Angeles area channels including CBS 2, NBC 4, KTLA 5, ABC 7, KCAL 9 and Fox 11. Radio coverage will also air on AM 570.

Dodgers to celebrate at Dodger Stadium

Following the parade, a special ticketed event will occur at Dodger Stadium at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:15 p.m. local time). Fans will have the opportunity to purchase merchandise and food during the event. There will be in-stadium entertainment and fans have the opportunity to watch the parade coverage on the scoreboards.

Parking gates will open at 8:30 a.m. PT and the stadium gates will open at 9 a.m. PT.

No immediate information on how to acquire tickets for the event was made available as of Wednesday night.

Here comes James Franklin’s big moment as Penn State preps for Ohio State. We know what comes next. Franklin is 0-6 against Day.
The 12-team CFP is tailormade for Penn State as a security blanket for James Franklin’s shortcomings in the biggest games.
Penn State schedule doesn’t include Oregon, Michigan or Indiana. Game vs. Ohio State is its chance for statement victory.

To say college football’s overlords created the 12-team playoff as a sweet deal to help any one team would be inaccurate, because their motivations centered more broadly on money, access, entertainment value and – let’s reiterate – money.

To the extent playoff expansion benefited any particular team, it stood to help Penn State.

The Nittany Lions are the persistent torchbearer of that good-but-not-great glob of also-rans, unable to make a four-team field but perfect for the 12-team variety.

Six times in the past 10 seasons – all under Franklin – the Nittany Lions finished ranked in the top 12 of the final College Football Playoff rankings, with nary a bid to the four-team playoff along the way.

To the Rose Bowl they’d go (twice), or the Cotton, Fiesta or Peach bowls. They played in two-thirds of the bowl games that were part of the New Year’s Six during that stretch – just in years when those bowls were not included in the playoff.

And now here arrives the 12-team playoff as the security blanket Penn State needed all those years.

How ironic it would be if this becomes the year the No. 3 Nittany Lions (7-0) wouldn’t need that extra padding.

Is Penn State legit? Game vs. Ohio State will answer that

Penn State is good. How good?

We’ll find out, like we as do most years, when it hosts No. 4 Ohio State (6-1) on Saturday.

If Penn State wins, it would emerge well-positioned for a playoff of any size.

And why shouldn’t Penn State finally beat the Buckeyes? It’s the home team. It’s the undefeated team. Its résumé trumps Ohio State’s, for the moment. Sure, the Nittany Lions had their hands full last week with Wisconsin, but backup quarterback Beau Pribula played well in relief of injured Drew Alllar, and OSU experienced even more trouble putting away Nebraska.

And still, the Buckeyes are 3½-point betting favorites, and it’s not just because Allar is questionable after injuring his knee against Wisconsin.

BOWL PROJECTIONS: Oregon now No. 1 as two SEC teams join playoff

NOW OR NEVER: Why Ohio State coach Ryan Day needs win at Penn State

James Franklin simply does not beat Ryan Day

The bespectacled elephant in the room cannot be ignored. Franklin rarely wins games of this magnitude. His Nittany Lions marched undefeated into games against Ohio State or Michigan the past two seasons – and got drilled. They surrendered their undefeated record in one-point losses to the Buckeyes in 2017 and 2018, too.

Widespread public perception says Franklin and Buckeyes coach Ryan Day are pitiful in big games. That narrative, though, ignores Penn State as a big-game opponent for Day, because he owns the Nittany Lions.

Franklin is 0-5 against Day. He’s 4-16 overall against Ohio State or Michigan. Forever the white-ribbon finisher.

Franklin’s lone win over the Buckeyes occurred against Urban Meyer in 2016 in what became his best chance to make the playoff – until now.

“We’re ready for it,” running back Nicholas Singleton told reporters this week.

The ‘it’ in that sentence is the four-quarter, complete-team effort that will be required to topple Ohio State, a result that would send all of Ohio into meltdown mode while Penn State would leverage an argument to be ranked No. 1.

Penn State beating Ohio State would ‘change the culture’

Franklin’s team looks steady and well-rounded, not unlike those Jim Harbaugh teams that beat the Buckeyes. But, we shouldn’t ignore the possibility that this is a mirage, because it usually is. This is a perennial prove-it game, and Penn State typically proves it’s not on Ohio State’s level.

Why would this time be different?

Franklin’s hire of offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki from Kansas paid off. Penn State quarterbacks are completing a whopping 72.5% percent of their passes. The offensive line pass protects well, and its one-two running back punch of Singleton and Kaytron Allen rivals Ohio State’s backfield collection of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins.

Both teams get after it on defense.

Athletes are conditioned to say no individual game means more than another and that the goal is to go 1-0 each week.

Navigate past clichés, though, and any Penn State player who’s been part of past letdowns against the Buckeyes must recognize a win against Ohio State would blast a statement that no other victory could provide from a schedule that does not include Oregon, Michigan or upstart Indiana.

“I would say, it would change the culture in the locker room,” veteran linebacker Kobe King said, “but it’d also show us what we needed to see, … going forward in order to win a Big Ten championship.”

Alternatively, if Penn State loses Saturday, it could be left with a final résumé featuring no wins against opponents ranked in the Top 25 on Selection Sunday. And, maybe, that’s enough to qualify for the 12-team playoff, because this format’s design allows room for the B1G’s bronze medalist.

Penn State wouldn’t have changed, though, only the playoff format.

For the Nittany Lions and Franklin to prove they’ve changed, they must beat Day’s Buckeyes.

‘I think our guys are ready for the challenge,’ Franklin said.

And if not, the 12-team playoff will be left to prop them up.

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NEW YORK – The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed their eighth World Series title in franchise history Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium and, like their 98-win season and their 11 wins in 16 postseason games, it came in a fashion both wholly predictable and thoroughly stunning.

In a five-run hole in Game 5 and facing New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, the Dodgers staged a startling fifth-inning rally to tie the score, pushed across two more runs to take the lead for good in the eighth and then closed their eyes and hoped for the best from a bullpen stretched to its limit. 

The result? A 7-6 Game 5 victory, a 4-1 conquest of the Yankees and the club’s first World Series title since 2020 and first in a full season since 1988. 

‘It seems like we hit every speed bump possible over the course of this year,’ World Series MVP Freddie Freeman said. ‘And to overcome what we did as a group of guys, it’s special. This is what we start out to do every single spring training is to win a championship. I think it’s the hardest thing to do in sports.’

That title was launched by a ninth-inning, Game 1 home run from Kirk Gibson that turned a win into a loss. This championship, too, had a Game 1 walk-off hero Freeman, whose 10th-inning grand slam launched what looked to be a dominance of the Yankees as L.A. won the first three games. 

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.

But the Yankees struck back in Game 4 and seized a 5-0 lead in Game 5 before a pair of rallies – the first keyed by three Yankee misplays – did them in. 

Both were started by innocent singles from Kiké Hernandez. The decisive blows lacked Gibson/Freemanesque drama – eighth-inning sacrifice flies from Gavin Lux and Mookie Betts to turn a 6-5 deficit into a 7-6 lead. 

‘I’m heartbroken, and I’m heartbroken for those guys that poured so much into this,’ Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. ‘The ending is cruel. It always is.’

And the final bit of heroics came from a bullpen that picked up for starter Jack Flaherty and turned in 23 outs of nearly perfect relief, with a home run and sacrifice fly from Giancarlo Stanton the lone blemishes across the final 7 ⅔ innings.

Blake Treinen, who got the last out of the sixth, pitched a clean seventh and then stranded a pair of runners in the eighth when he struck out Anthony Rizzo on his 42nd pitch. 

And then, it was right-hander Walker Buehler’s turn. The Game 3 winner was summoned on a day’s rest  and set down the bottom of the Yankees’ order to close it out – the eighth pitcher to work on this night the Dodgers became champions once again. 

‘Certainly a lot of emotions from the way it started to certainly the way it finished,’ Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. ‘I’m just so grateful to be in this chair, and what our guys did, the resilience, the fight that they had.’

– Gabe Lacques

World Series 2024 MVP: Freddie Freeman, obviously

NEW YORK — Freddie Freeman clutched the World Series MVP trophy and hoisting it high into the air after the Los Angeles Dodgers’ championship Wednesday night, let his emotions seep out, knowing just what this meant to him.

Freeman carried the Dodgers to a five-game conquest, hitting a home run in each of the first four games, driving in a World Series franchise-record 12 runs.

‘This is everything,’ Freeman said.

Few people outside his own family have the slightest of the frustrations, angst and fear that he endured throughout the season, only to culminate in baseball’s ultimate prize.

– Bob Nightengale

LA Dodgers parade 2024

The Dodgers announced after the game that the team’s long-awaited championship parade will take place on Friday in Los Angeles.

Here’s how Wednesday’s game unfolded at Yankee Stadium:

To the ninth: Dodgers 7, Yankees 6

With runners on first and second and one out, Dodgers right-hander Blake Treinen got Giancarlo Stanton fly out and struck out Anthony Rizzo to end the threat and send the game to the ninth with Los Angeles up 7-6.

Dodgers take eighth-inning lead with two sac flys

NEW YORK – After a wild three nights at Yankee Stadium, the Los Angeles Dodgers suddenly find themselves six outs from a World Series championship. 

After overcoming a five-run deficit thanks to a disastrous inning from the New York Yankees, the Dodgers took the lead for the first time in Game 5 by pushing across two runs in the top of the eighth against a pair of Yankee relievers. 

The tying and go-ahead blows were sacrifice flies by Gavin Lux and Mookie Betts. The startling moment was a catcher’s interference call on a Shohei Ohtani swing. 

And of course, it was all started by Kiké Hernandez, whose leadoff single off Tommy Kahnle started the two-run rally – just as his single in the fifth sparked a five-run inning that erased a 5-0 deficit. 

NY regains lead on sacrifice fly: Yankees 6, Dodgers 5

NEW YORK – Giancarlo Stanton restored order in Game 5 of the World Series, putting the New York Yankees back on top with a sacrifice fly. 

Then again, in this crazy game, what the hell is order, anyway? 

After blowing a five-run lead by giving up five unearned runs in the fifth, the Yankees regained the edge on the Los Angeles Dodgers thanks to reliever Brusdar Graterol, who started the sixth by walking Juan Soto and Aaron Judge, setting up Stanton’s high, relatively deep sacrifice fly one out later, making it a 6-5 game. 

While a bigger inning was averted by the Dodgers, they played all their key relief chips just to get through the sixth. Closer Blake Treinen relieved Graterol and got the inning’s final out. He’s also on three days’ rest and may just finish the game – or get as close as he can – if it stays close. 

Walker Buehler, the Game 3 starter and winner, jogged down to the bullpen – just in case. 

LA makes NY pay after fielding errors: Yankees 5, Dodgers 5

NEW YORK – The New York Yankees gave the Los Angeles Dodgers three extra outs in the fifth inning of World Series Game 5. And that may turn out to be a fatal mistake.

With ace Gerrit Cole working on a no-hitter and sitting on a five-run lead, the Yankees made three egregious misplays, beginning with a muffed fly ball by center fielder Aaron Judge, and culminating in Cole’s failure to cover first base on a grounder to Anthony Rizzo. And the always dangerous Dodgers struck for five runs to tie the game 5-5 heading into the bottom of the fifth. 

The big blows ostensibly were struck by Freddie Freeman, who hit a two-run single, and Teoscar Hernandez, who tied the game with a two-run double. Yet those came with an air of inevitability after the Yankees flung the door wide open. 

First, Judge, who simply muffed a routine fly from Max Muncy for an error after Kiké Hernandez’s leadoff single. Then, an awkward grounder off Will Smith’s bat into the hole, where Anthony Volpe felt his only play was to third. He bounced the throw for an error. 

Cole nearly steadied himself and escaped the bases-loaded jam, striking out Gavin Lux and Shohei Ohtani. Then Mookie Betts topped a grounder down the first base line. It spun and hopped and sliced and hooked and Rizzo stayed down instead of charging it. 

Cole did not get off the mound to cover the bag. Betts was safe, it was 5-1 – and moments later, 5-5, all the runs unearned. 

Stanton sets Yankees single postseason HR record: Yankees 5, Dodgers 0

NEW YORK – It’s bombs away in the Bronx. 

The New York Yankees are sending their home yard out in style in Game 5 of the World Series, as Giancarlo Stanton crushed their third home run of the night to give them a 5-0 lead after three innings. 

And it was a blast for the record books: Stanton’s seventh home run marks the most in a single Yankees postseason, although the team’s most decorated legends did not play in the three-round era. 

Nonetheless, Stanton’s 105-mph, 385-foot shot off reliever Ryan Brasier created more cushion on a night starter Gerrit Cole is cruising and manager Aaron Boone would love to stay away from his top relievers. 

NY chases starter after 35 pitches: Yankees 4, Dodgers 0

NEW YORK – Jack Flaherty shut out the New York Yankees for five innings of World Series Game 1. In Game 5, they chased him after just 35 pitches and four runs. 

And now this World Series may be experiencing a reversal of fortune similar to Flaherty’s. 

The Yankees seized a 4-0 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers after two innings of Game 5, chasing Flaherty after he recorded just four outs. Game 4 hero Anthony Volpe laced a leadoff double in the second and came home on Alex Verdugo’s RBI single hit just over the outstretched glove of second baseman Gavin Lux. 

That was enough for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who went to lefty Anthony Banda to finish the second. The teams have an off day Thursday, so Roberts can once again empty his bullpen after saving his top relievers in a Game 4 loss. 

But a 3-0 Series lead is now in danger of becoming 3-2 – much to the Bronx’s delight. 

Bronx Bombers go back-to-back: Yankees 3, Dodgers 0

NEW YORK – Aaron Judge sent one deep into the Bronx night, and went a long way toward booking a return flight to Los Angeles. 

Judge, the embattled slugger whose flaccid postseason dominated the early portion of this World Series, pushed the New York Yankees closer to life by crushing a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning. Jazz Chisholm made it back-to-back shots off Los Angeles Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty and the Yankees took a 3-0 lead in Game 5 of the World Series. 

Judge, who came in batting .152 this postseason and just 2 for 15 with seven strikeouts this World Series, drove a first-pitch fastball from Flaherty 403 feet into the right field seats, sending Yankee Stadium into a bobbing sea of bedlam. 

Chisholm then hit that eurostep after crossing home, yanking a Flaherty fastball out to right field. Flaherty started the mess by walking Juan Soto on five pitches. 

Yankees starter Gerrit Cole? He enjoyed a seven-pitch first inning. Advantage: Yankees. At least in Game 5. 

How many teams have rallied from 3-0 World Series deficit?

The New York Yankees face a monumental task in their bid to overcome a 3-0 deficit in this year’s World Series. However, they’ve already defied recent history by taking the first step.

In defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 on Tuesday night, the Yankees live to fight another day, with Game 5 on tap Wednesday night in the Bronx.

There have been 25 teams in World Series history who have trailed 3-0. The Yankees are one of just four to have even forced a Game 5. Of those four teams, none has ever made it to a Game 6.

– Steve Gardner

Yankees lineup today: World Series Game 5

Gleyber Torres (R) 2B
Juan Soto (L) RF
Aaron Judge (R) CF
Jazz Chisholm Jr. (L) 3B
Giancarlo Stanton (R) DH
Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
Anthony Volpe (R) SS
Austin Wells (L) C
Alex Verdugo (L) LF

Dodgers lineup today

Shohei Ohtani (L) DH
Mookie Betts (R) RF
Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
Teoscar Hernández (R) LF
Max Muncy (L) 3B
Enrique Hernández (R) CF
Tommy Edman (S) SS
Will Smith (R) C
Gavin Lux (L) 2B

Yankee fans banned after fan interference on Mookie Betts

The two New York Yankees fans who were ejected from Game 4 on Tuesday night for interfering with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts won’t be back in their seats down the right field line for tonight’s game.

Despite his initial claim made to ESPN, season-ticket holder Austin Capobianco and his friend John Peter will not be allowed back in the ballpark for Game 5 on Wednesday, the Yankees announced.

‘The Yankees and Major League Baseball maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward the type of behavior displayed last night,’ the Yankees said in a statement. ‘These fans will not be permitted to attend tonight’s game in any capacity.”

– Steve Gardner

Yankees, inspired by Red Sox ’04 comeback, want to make history

NEW YORK − The electronic board in the New York Yankees clubhouse Tuesday night revealed their strategy in this World Series for everyone to see.

“Win Tomorrow Fly Thursday.’

The Yankees plan to be on that flight to Los Angeles after trouncing the Dodgers, 11-4, and staying alive in the World Series, with their players reiterating the mantra made famous by Kevin Millar of the Boston Red Sox in 2004.

“Don’t Let Us Win Tonight.’

It was the year the Red Sox became the first and only baseball team in postseason history to be down 3 games to 0 and come back and win the series against the Yankees in the ALCS, leading to their first World Series title since 1918.

The documentary of that historic comeback was just released on Netflix.

“I’d like to make another one,’ Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo grinned.

− Bob Nightengale

What’s the record for most home runs in a World Series?

Freddie Freeman has hit four home runs in the World Series − one in each of the first four games. Can tie the record (5) in Game 5? If so, he would joins:

Reggie Jackson (Yankees, 1977)
Chase Utley (Phillies, 2009)
George Springer (Astros, 2017)

Ironically, Jackson’s five home runs came for the Yankees, who defeated the Dodgers in six games. In 2009, the Yankees defeated the Phillies in six games despite Utley’s five home runs. Finally, in 2017, Springer achieved this feat in seven games.

Dodgers punt, preserve best relievers for Game 5

NEW YORK – The champagne was on ice. The Commissioner’s Trophy was lurking, somewhere, in the bowels of Yankee Stadium. And Game 4 of the World Series – and a sweep of the New York Yankees – was there for the taking.

Yet for the Los Angeles Dodgers, trusting the process that guided them to a National League pennant and built a 3-0 lead over New York in this Fall Classic remained paramount.

So, when reliever Daniel Hudson, nursing a one-run lead in the third inning, lost his command and sprayed the ball all over the strike zone, manager Dave Roberts let him ride it out – even as it resulted in a go-ahead grand slam from Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe.

When the Dodgers clawed back to within one run in the fifth inning, the Dodgers’ high-leverage relievers remained holstered – and long man Landon Knack gave up a home run an inning later to Austin Wells.

And then, trailing by just two runs heading into the bottom of the eighth, the last man on the pitching roster, right-hander Brent Honeywell, was tasked with keeping it close – and instead ended up wearing it all, giving up five runs to put the game out of reach.

Game 4 of the World Series was a different animal. With the Dodgers holding a 3-0 Series lead, there’d be no closer Blake Treinen, no fire-balling set-up man Michael Kopech, no Ryan Brasier or deathly lefties Alex Vesia or Anthony Banda – not unless the Dodgers held a lead and could nail down the championship.

“We’ve got all the faith in the world in Doc,” says catcher Will Smith, who hit a solo home run and guided the Dodgers’ four pitchers through this night. “This whole postseason, he’s been doing that, so sticking with him, he’s been doing great.

“We’re just trying to manage this whole series, keep everything fresh and ready to go. Be back tomorrow, everybody will be healthy.”

– Gabe Lacques

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