In the highly anticipated World Series Game 5, Aaron Judge's fateful drop of the baseball led to a series of events that would change the course of the championship. This single error kick-started a meltdown for the New York Yankees, ultimately resulting in a 7 - 6 loss and a championship for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The baseball itself, sold at auction for an astonishing $43,510 through the Dodgers' official site, has now become a part of both teams' lore.

Unraveling the Consequences of Aaron Judge's World Series Error

The Drop that Shook the Series

During the fifth inning of Game 5, Aaron Judge was unable to catch a fly ball hit by Tommy Edman with a runner on first and ace Gerrit Cole on the mound. This simple misplay opened the floodgates for a series of Yankees mistakes. It was the first domino to fall in what would become a disastrous inning for the team.The shortstop Anthony Volpe then made a throwing error on the next play, loading the bases with nobody out. Cole managed to get the next two outs and seemed to be on the verge of escaping the jam. However, his failure to cover first on a soft ground ball hit by Mookie Betts allowed the Los Angeles Dodgers to score their first run and extend the inning. This single play turned a seemingly secure lead for the Yankees into a precarious situation.

The Domino Effect on the Game

Once the Dodgers scored that first run, they went on to score four more times in the inning, erasing their 5 - 0 deficit and taking the lead. The energy in the stadium shifted dramatically as the Dodgers took control of the game. It was as if the fans were waiting for something bad to happen, and when it did, they sensed an opportunity for their team to take over.This series of events not only changed the outcome of Game 5 but also had a lasting impact on the Yankees' postseason run. Judge, who had an outstanding regular season with 58 home runs and 144 RBI, struggled in the postseason, hitting only.184 with 20 strikeouts in 49 at-bats. His error in Game 5 became a symbol of the Yankees' downfall in the World Series.

Aftermath and Legacy

After the game, Judge expressed his disappointment, stating that falling short in the World Series would stay with him until he died. The Dodgers, on the other hand, celebrated their championship with a commemorative coffee table book.This World Series error by Aaron Judge will forever be remembered in baseball history. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the game and the importance of every play. The auctioned baseball now holds a special place in Dodgers and Yankees lore, a tangible reminder of the events that unfolded on that fateful day.Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.