October 29th 2024.
Freddie Freeman continued his impressive streak, hitting a home run for the third consecutive game, while Walker Buehler once again showed his dominance on the mound in the World Series as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 4-2 on Monday night. With the Yankees struggling to find their footing, the Dodgers have taken a commanding 3-0 lead in the highly anticipated matchup between these two storied franchises.
Despite a partially dislocated shoulder, superstar Shohei Ohtani was determined to play for the Yankees. However, his efforts were not enough to stop the Dodgers from inching closer to a surprising sweep. Buehler delivered yet another standout performance, with the help of six relievers, limiting the Yankees to just five hits in the game. The Dodgers are now on the brink of their second championship in five years, their eighth in franchise history.
"Walker Buehler has always been a big-game player, stepping up when we need him the most," said Freeman of his teammate's impressive performance. "His consistency and composure are unmatched."
The Dodgers' stellar defense was also on display, with Teoscar Hernández throwing out a runner at home plate with a perfect throw from left field. Mookie Betts and Kiké Hernández both contributed with RBI singles, while the Yankees struggled to contain the Dodgers' powerful offense, resulting in starter Clarke Schmidt being pulled in the third inning.
Freeman's two-run homer in the first inning marked his fifth consecutive World Series game with a home run, tying a major league record set by George Springer in 2017. "All I care about right now is getting one more win," said Freeman, focused on the ultimate goal of winning the World Series.
Tuesday night's Game 4 at Yankee Stadium will see the Dodgers relying on their bullpen once again, with rookie right-hander Luis Gil taking the mound for the Yankees. The only team in MLB history to come back from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven postseason series was the Boston Red Sox against the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS. This time, the Yankees are determined to avoid a sweep and make a comeback of their own.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was a part of the historic 2004 Red Sox team that made that comeback, thanks in part to his pivotal stolen base. "We have the opportunity to become an amazing story and shock the world," said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. "But right now, our focus is on getting that first win and taking it one game at a time."
In the 11 previous World Series meetings between these two teams, there has only been one sweep, by the Dodgers in 1963 led by Hall of Fame pitchers Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale. The Yankees have not been swept in the Fall Classic since 1976 by the Cincinnati Reds. However, the Dodgers have had the upper hand in recent matchups, winning all seven of their previous World Series meetings against the Yankees, including their 1981 championship.
This was the first World Series game played at Yankee Stadium since the Yankees won their 27th title in 2009 against the Philadelphia Phillies. But the home-field advantage did not help the struggling Yankees, who have only managed to score four runs and nine hits in the past two games.
New York finally got on the scoreboard in the ninth inning with a two-run homer by Alex Verdugo off relief pitcher Michael Kopech. But Kopech quickly retired Gleyber Torres to end the game and secure the Dodgers' victory.
Buehler, who allowed just two hits and struck out five in five innings, has been a dominant force in the postseason throughout his career. He now boasts a 4-4 record in 18 postseason starts, including a 2-0 record with a 0.50 ERA in three World Series appearances. "It's strange, but for me, the playoffs and big games have always been what I care about the most," said Buehler. "I struggled during the regular season, but once I get to the playoffs, the adrenaline kicks in and helps me perform at my best."
The Yankees made minimal changes to their lineup, with manager Aaron Boone opting to stick with his struggling players. Despite some consideration for lineup changes, it was business as usual for the Yankees. "I thought about a few things during the long flight home, but this is the lineup I decided on," said Boone before the game.
During a short meeting before the game, the Yankees players were reminded of the historic comeback made by the 2004 Red Sox. In a touching moment, a recording from the late Yankees public-address announcer Bob Sheppard introduced five-time World Series champion Derek Jeter when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Bronx-born rapper Fat Joe also revved up the sold-out crowd with a pregame performance on the infield.
However, it was the Dodgers who struck first, with Freeman's home run in the first inning silencing the home crowd. The Dodgers continued to dominate, with Betts and Hernández adding an RBI each in the third and sixth innings, respectively.
Schmidt, making his third postseason start, struggled with his command, walking four batters in just 2 2/3 innings. He now holds a record of five consecutive losses dating back to May 16. The Yankees finally got their first hit off Buehler in the fourth inning, but Betts' diving catch in right field and Hernández's impressive throw to home plate thwarted any chance of a Yankees comeback.
Looking ahead to Game 4, the Yankees will rely on rookie Luis Gil, who has only made one postseason start, while the Dodgers will rely on their bullpen once again. The stakes are high for the Yankees, who are determined to avoid being swept by the Dodgers. "We have to take it one game at a time and try to force another one," said Boone. "But our focus right now is getting that first win."
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