NY Yankees vs LA Dodgers Picks and Predictions October 29th 2024

Dodgers go with bullpen game in bid to sweep Yankees

New York, NY – The Los Angeles Dodgers are on the verge of claiming their eighth World Series title, leading the New York Yankees 3-0 in the best-of-seven series. With one more win, the Dodgers can wrap up a clean sweep, a feat not seen since the San Francisco Giants’ 2012 championship victory. To clinch the win, the Dodgers will deploy a bullpen game strategy in Game 4 on Tuesday, opting for depth and flexibility over a traditional starting pitcher.

Dodgers’ High-Risk, High-Reward Bullpen Strategy

Tuesday marks the fourth bullpen game for the Dodgers this postseason, a tactic that’s proven successful with a 2-1 record so far. Reliever Ryan Brasier, who has already been pivotal with two bullpen starts, exemplifies the Dodgers’ reliance on flexible pitching. Brasier has been solid, posting a 4.50 ERA over seven appearances, including a scoreless eighth inning during Monday’s 4-2 victory. This performance solidified the Dodgers’ series lead and showcased their ability to execute in high-stakes situations.

“It’s about winning pitch by pitch, and focusing on each moment,” said Dodgers’ second baseman Gavin Lux. “That last one is always the hardest to get, but we’re ready.”

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Resilient Stars Push Through Injuries

Despite playing with injuries, key Dodgers players have delivered essential performances. Shohei Ohtani, who’s nursing a partially dislocated left shoulder, has contributed with crucial plate appearances. Though he’s only 1-for-11 in the series, Ohtani’s presence and discipline at the plate helped set up runs in Monday’s win, including a four-pitch walk that led to Freddie Freeman’s two-run homer.

Freeman, who’s also recovering from a sprained right ankle, has turned his postseason around, homering in each World Series game so far and joining an elite group of players to homer in the first three games of the Fall Classic. After struggling through the first two playoff rounds with no home runs and only one RBI, Freeman has since gone 4-for-12 in the series, contributing seven RBIs.

“Ohtani and Freeman have shown tremendous resilience, and it’s inspiring to see them give their all at this stage,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

Yankees’ Hopes Hang on Rookie Luis Gil

Facing elimination, the Yankees will send rookie pitcher Luis Gil to the mound. Gil, who was strong in his previous postseason start against the Cleveland Guardians, has shown he can handle pressure, but Tuesday’s Game 4 presents his toughest challenge yet. Gil’s inexperience could be a factor against a Dodgers lineup firing on all cylinders. His previous outing against the Dodgers in June ended with three runs allowed on five hits in 5 2/3 innings, which gives the Dodgers a psychological edge heading into Tuesday.

For the Yankees, offensive struggles have persisted, as they’re hitting just .186 in the series and only 4-for-20 with runners in scoring position. Despite the lack of output, Yankees slugger Aaron Judge remains optimistic. “All it takes is one swing, one at-bat, one play, and everything can change for us,” Judge said.

A Series-Defining Moment for the Dodgers

With a 3-0 lead, the Dodgers aim to close out the series in a clean sweep, something they haven’t accomplished since their previous titles came in more extended series. Their current path echoes a dominant postseason approach, bolstered by Freeman’s consistent power and Ohtani’s strategic contributions. Should they succeed, they will capture their first World Series title since 2020 and mark the end of the Yankees’ season, a disappointing outcome for a team seeking its first championship since 2009.

If the Dodgers can seal the deal, it would also be a rare instance of back-to-back sweeps in franchise history. For now, all eyes are on the bullpen and how they’ll handle the Yankees in what could be the final game of the 2024 MLB season.

Historical Stakes for Both Teams

For the Dodgers, a Game 4 win would add another championship to their legacy, cementing a modern-day dynasty. As for the Yankees, avoiding the sweep would give them a sliver of pride, considering the franchise hasn’t been swept in a World Series since 1976.

With the Dodgers aiming to celebrate their championship on Yankee turf, the stakes could not be higher. Both teams know the importance of each pitch and each inning as they approach a potentially historic Game 4.

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