The New York Yankees return home in a must-win situation for Game 3 of the World Series after dropping the first two games to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Facing a daunting 2-0 deficit, the Yankees will rely on the comforts of Yankee Stadium to get back into the series. The Dodgers, meanwhile, are halfway to capturing their first title in a full 162-game season since 1988 and are looking to extend their commanding lead.
Dodgers Overview
Los Angeles enters Game 3 with all the momentum, winning the first two games at Dodger Stadium by scores of 6-3 and 4-2. Despite Shohei Ohtani struggling offensively and nursing a partially dislocated shoulder, the Dodgers have leaned on timely hitting and strong pitching to take control. Ohtani, currently 1-for-8 in the series, remains in the lineup, hoping to break through at Yankee Stadium.
In Game 3, the Dodgers will hand the ball to Walker Buehler, who has a strong track record in the World Series. Buehler is 1-0 with a 0.69 ERA across two previous World Series starts.
Yankees Overview
For the Yankees, it’s do-or-die. They return to Yankee Stadium hoping for a spark to avoid falling behind 3-0 in the series. History is not on their side—only the 1996 Yankees and a handful of other teams have overcome such a deficit in the World Series. New York is also looking for better production from star slugger Aaron Judge, who has struggled this postseason, going 1-for-9 with six strikeouts in the first two games.
On the mound for the Yankees will be Clarke Schmidt, who will make his third consecutive Game 3 start this postseason. Schmidt has been solid but not spectacular, with two no-decisions thus far. He’ll need to be sharp against a Dodgers lineup that has taken advantage of key moments in the first two games.
Key Storylines
While Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton have been productive at the plate, the Yankees need Judge to step up.
“I’ve just been expanding the zone too much,” Judge admitted. “I need to get back to swinging at strikes and letting the game come to me.”
The Dodgers’ bullpen has also been impressive, with Alex Vesia escaping a bases-loaded jam in Game 2. Ohtani’s injury remains a concern, but manager Dave Roberts indicated the two-way star is ready to contribute: “If he feels good, he’ll be in the lineup,” Roberts said.
History looms large in this matchup, as the Yankees aim to rally from a two-game deficit, a feat they’ve achieved before in the Fall Classic. However, the Dodgers are determined to close in on their eighth title and could take a commanding 3-0 lead with a win on Monday.
Prediction and Pick
The Yankees need to capitalize on home-field advantage and get a strong outing from Schmidt. However, Buehler’s postseason experience and the Dodgers’ momentum give them a slight edge. If New York’s offense continues to struggle with runners in scoring position, Los Angeles could be celebrating a Game 3 victory.
- Pick: Dodgers +1.5
- Prediction: Dodgers 5, Yankees 3
