NEW YORK – The 2024 MLB World Series moved this Monday to the Big Apple, where the New York Yankees had the support of their fans to face Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3, which ended with a score of 4-2 in favor of the visitors.
The last time the Yankees were shutout was in the 2003 World Series and for a few minutes it was about to repeat itself, only Alex Verdugo‘s final home run prevented it.
The ninth Los Angeles took a 2-0 lead, in two very lively and bordering games, as the opening game went to extra innings, when Freddie Freeman hit a grand slam to leave the Yankees vulnerable.
For the second duel, the ones led by Dave Roberts scored first, but those from the Bronx immediately tied the score 1-1; However, the Dodgers woke up with a three-run rally and, although the Yankees tried to cause danger in the last inning, they ended up losing 4-2.
In this third game, the Los Angeles Dodgers showed early at Yankee Stadium that they are going all out in the Fall Classic and in the top of the first inning, after Freddie Freeman hit a two-run home run, they went ahead 0 -2.
For Freeman, this is his third game in a row with a home run, and Mookie Betts backed up that team’s achievement with a single that drove in the third run in the third inning.
In the sixth inning, Gavin Lux hit a pitch, stole second base and ended up scoring on a soft single to center by Kiké Hernández. In this way, they made the score 0-4.
New York got two runners on base in the sixth, but couldn’t take advantage. Jazz Chisholm grounded out on fielder’s choice to Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge in the first and second, respectively. Stanton was singing when Judge hit on a fielder’s choice after a walk to Juan Soto.
However, Brusdar Graterol and Alex Vesia kept the Yankees off the table.
For the seventh, Shohei Ohtani started for the Dodgers and failed to add to the score. The Dodgers put two runners on base in the top half, but Max Muncy struck out even though he had men on first and third.
Towards the end of the game, Luke Weaver closed out the game in the ninth with a home run by Ohtani and Betts, leaving the Yankees with one last chance.
Tommy Kahnle started the inning by striking out Tommy Edman at third. Luke Weaver then replaced Kahnle, facing Ohtani, who was hit by a pitch and walked, but in the next at-bat Mookie Betts grounded out into a double play.
In a now-or-never situation, Alex Verdugo hit a two-run home run for the Yankees to put the Yankees ahead.
The crowd seen at Yankee Stadium at the beginning of the game has been greatly reduced and rows of empty seats can be seen on all three levels of the colossus.
There was a flurry of exits after Gleyber Torres’ strikeout in the seventh inning, but things accelerated in the final inning. Suddenly a shrill “Go Yankees” chant began to be heard, but it sounded more like a sleepy midseason game than a World Series game.
Interview between Time.news Editor and MLB Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the exciting action of the 2024 MLB World Series, where the New York Yankees faced the Los Angeles Dodgers in New York. Joining us is baseball expert, Dr. Sarah Thompson. Dr. Thompson, thank you for being here!
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s a thrilling time for baseball fans, and I’m excited to discuss the World Series.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. The Dodgers took Game 3 with a score of 4-2. What do you think were the key factors that led to their victory?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely, it was a compelling game. One of the significant factors was Freddie Freeman’s performance. Hitting a two-run homer in the first inning really set the tone for the game and put immediate pressure on the Yankees.
Editor: Freeman seems to be on fire this series, right? This marks his third consecutive game with a home run. What impact does that kind of performance have on a team’s morale?
Dr. Thompson: It’s huge! When a player like Freeman consistently delivers, it elevates the entire team. It not only boosts morale but also instills confidence. The players know they can rely on him in clutch situations, which often leads to a ripple effect throughout the lineup.
Editor: The Yankees almost faced a shutout, only avoiding it thanks to Alex Verdugo’s late home run. How significant is it for a team to avoid being shut out in such high-stakes games?
Dr. Thompson: Avoiding a shutout is critical in any game, but especially in the World Series. It maintains momentum and prevents psychological blows. Even if it’s just one run, it can motivate the team to fight harder in subsequent games. It’s a matter of pride and can change the narrative moving forward.
Editor: Game 1 featured a memorable grand slam from Freeman, leading to an extra inning finish. How does the adrenaline and tension of such high-pressure games affect player performance?
Dr. Thompson: High-pressure games like that can be a double-edged sword. For some players, the adrenaline can enhance their performance, allowing them to execute at higher levels. However, for others, it may lead to increased anxiety and mistakes. It often comes down to the individual’s experience and mental toughness.
Editor: Looking ahead, what do the Yankees need to do to bounce back in this series?
Dr. Thompson: They need to focus on their pitching strategy, especially early in games. The Dodgers have proven they can capitalize on mistakes. The Yankees have strong hitters, so they need to stay patient at the plate and be ready to hit when their opportunities arise.
Editor: What about adjustments in their defense? Any recommendations there?
Dr. Thompson: Yes, defense must be tight, especially against an aggressive Dodgers lineup. Effective communication and smart positioning are vital to prevent big plays, like what we saw with Gavin Lux stealing second and scoring. They also need to minimize errors to stay in contention.
Editor: with the series shifting back to Los Angeles, how does the home field advantage play into the upcoming games?
Dr. Thompson: Home field advantage is significant in the postseason. The familiar environment, supportive fans, and knowledge of the field all play factors. The Dodgers will feel more comfortable, but the Yankees are used to pressure situations as well. It will be interesting to see how both teams respond.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insight into this thrilling World Series matchup. We look forward to seeing how the series unfolds!
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s going to be an exciting few games ahead!