Ny Yankees Yankees vs La Dodgers Dodgers Picks and Predictions October 28th 2024

Yankees Look to Rally at Home Against Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani in Game 3 of World Series

Following two narrow escapes in Los Angeles, the New York Yankees find themselves behind 2-0 against the dominant Los Angeles Dodgers as the World Series moves to Yankee Stadium for Game 3. Although Shohei Ohtani has had a slow start and dealt with a shoulder injury, the Dodgers have demonstrated resilience as they move closer to a championship victory.

Dodgers Edge Yankees in Games 1 and 2

Los Angeles secured a 6-3 win in the first game of the series with Freddie Freeman’s memorable walk-off grand slam, then continued their success with a 4-2 victory in the second game. Despite Ohtani’s shoulder injury limiting his involvement, the Dodgers’ strong depth has made up for any shortcomings, while Freeman’s consecutive home runs have bolstered the lineup. Ohtani, who traveled alone to New York and joined the team’s Sunday practice, looks ready to take part in Game 3, as per Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts.

Yankees are looking to recover with timely hitting.

The Yankees are hopeful that returning home will improve their performance, especially in critical moments. The team has faced challenges with runners in scoring position (2-for-14 in Los Angeles) and star Aaron Judge has been in an unusual slump (1-for-9 with six strikeouts in the first two games), both of which have stood out as significant problems. The judge, positioned amidst the impactful Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton, acknowledged the necessity of plate discipline: “Simply chasing pitches outside the strike zone…I must begin to only swing at pitches within the strike zone.” Soto and Stanton have been the main contributors to the Yankees offense, hitting .313 with 10 home runs and 23 RBIs during the playoffs.

Juan Soto remains optimistic about the Yankees’ chances. “We know how to take a couple punches in the face and just keep battling and keep going,” Soto said. “We can go home and do our thing.”

Matchup: Clarke Schmidt vs. Walker Buehler

The pitching matchup in Game 3 features two former first-round picks looking to make their mark in this pivotal game:

• Clarke Schmidt (Yankees): The Yankees’ right-hander will make his third straight postseason start in Game 3, hoping for a solid performance to bring New York back into the series. In his last outing against Cleveland in the ALCS, Schmidt allowed two runs on five hits in 4 2/3 innings. Schmidt acknowledged the pressure but stated, “I’m excited to get out there, but I know I have a job to do. We’re trying to win this World Series.”
• Walker Buehler (Dodgers): Known for his clutch performances, Buehler brings World Series experience, boasting an impressive 1-0 record with a 0.69 ERA in previous World Series starts. However, his 2023 postseason has been inconsistent, with a 6.00 ERA in two starts, including a rough Game 3 against San Diego in the Division Series. Despite recent struggles, Roberts has confidence in Buehler, noting, “The road isn’t going to faze him. It also allows him potentially to be available for a Game 7.”

History and Odds: Yankees’ Comeback Potential

In history, teams that win the first two games of the World Series have a record of 45 wins and 11 losses in securing the championship using the current 2-3-2 format. However, the Yankees are recognized for their ability to go against expectations, particularly by coming back from a 2-0 disadvantage to claim victory in the 1996 World Series. Since the 1986 Mets, no other team has come back from a two-game deficit to win the championship.

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Key Players to Watch

• Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers): With a partially dislocated shoulder, Ohtani’s impact has been minimal so far, but his power and playmaking abilities could shift momentum in Game 3.
• Aaron Judge (Yankees): Coming off a challenging stretch, Judge’s ability to adjust at the plate and generate offense will be critical to New York’s hopes.
• Freddie Freeman (Dodgers): The Dodgers’ first baseman has been on fire with two crucial home runs in the series and will look to extend his streak.
• Clarke Schmidt (Yankees): In a must-win situation, Schmidt’s pitching will be under intense scrutiny as he attempts to give New York a fighting chance.

Game Prediction

The Yankees will seek to capitalize on any errors made by Buehler, leveraging their potent offense to secure a victory in Game 3, bolstered by the support of their home crowd. Conversely, the Dodgers, recognized for their formidable bench and Buehler’s playoff experience, may pose a significant challenge, particularly if Ohtani makes his return to the field. The result of Game 3 could hinge on critical hitting moments and whether the Yankees, especially Judge, can effectively counter Buehler’s pitching.

Prepare for an exhilarating contest as the Yankees strive to maintain their pursuit of the World Series in this high-stakes matchup.