The Los Angeles Dodgers showcased their depth and resilience once again on Monday night, defeating the New York Yankees 4-2 in Game 3 of the World Series to take a dominant 3-0 lead in the series. With just one more win needed to secure the championship, the Yankees now face a near-impossible task: becoming only the second team in MLB history, after the 2004 Boston Red Sox, to rally back and win four consecutive games in a best-of-seven series with their season on the line.
Early Momentum Sets the Tone
Right from the outset, the Dodgers seized control. Shohei Ohtani, playing through a slight shoulder dislocation, led off with a four-pitch walk. Freddie Freeman, who was dealing with his own October issues, hit a two-run blast through the right-field seats a short while later.. It marked Freeman’s third homer in his last six at-bats, breaking a 32-at-bat postseason slump without an extra-base hit. Yankee Stadium fell into a stunned silence, and Dodgers starter Walker Buehler made sure it stayed that way.
Pitching Power: Buehler Finds His Rhythm
Walker Buehler, who struggled through the regular season after returning from a second Tommy John surgery, delivered five scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and two walks while striking out five. In the postseason, Buehler regained his power and effectiveness, especially with his fastball, which has seen limited success since 2021. After developing a strong curveball in the NLCS, Buehler continued to make big plays on baseball’s biggest stage, where he has a history of delivering his best performances.
Defensive Masterclass: Dodgers Hold Yankees at Bay
The fourth inning was the Yankees' best scoring opportunity. Anthony Volpe managed a two-out single, giving Giancarlo Stanton a chance to race home from second. However, Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez made a pinpoint one-hop throw to catch Stanton at the plate, showcasing the Dodgers’ defensive prowess. Just an inning earlier, Mookie Betts had made a spectacular diving catch in right field to deny Jazz Chisholm Jr. a hit, while Tommy Edman extended to turn a force play at second in the sixth.
Yankees' Ninth-Inning Push Falls Short
In the bottom half of the ninth, the Yankees made an effort to rally late.The Dodgers' lead was cut to two runs when Alex Verdugo hit a two-run home run against Michael Kopech. But Kopech regained his composure and induced a groundout from Gleyber Torres to end the game, inching the Dodgers one step closer to their first World Series title since 2020.
Dodgers on the Brink of Championship Glory
Battling injuries to key players like Freeman and Ohtani throughout October and dealing with an unstable starting rotation, the Dodgers have found a way to keep winning. Now, they stand on the verge of another championship. Reflecting on his recent success, Freeman stated, “I’ve worked hard to refine my swing, and it’s been paying off. I’m seeing the ball better, and it feels good.”
With Game 4 just ahead, the Dodgers need only one more win to claim their place in baseball history, while the Yankees must fight for their survival, facing an uphill battle to reverse a 3-0 deficit.
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