As the 2024 World Series shifts to New York with the Los Angeles Dodgers holding a commanding 2-0 lead over the Yankees, the baseball world is buzzing over the key storylines and surprises that have defined the Fall Classic so far. From clutch performances to injury concerns, this historic matchup between two of MLB’s marquee franchises is already living up to its immense hype.
Freeman’s Heroics Lead Dodgers
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman has emerged as the early frontrunner for World Series MVP, thanks in large part to his walk-off grand slam in LA’s thrilling Game 1 victory. Freeman’s blast capped a come-from-behind win and set the tone for the series. He has continued to deliver, batting .455 through the first two contests.
Freddie is just a special player. He rises to the occasion when the lights are brightest and finds a way to deliver for his team. That’s what makes him a champion and a leader in our clubhouse.
– Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts
Ohtani’s Status Uncertain
However, the Dodgers’ momentum took a potential hit in Game 2, when two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani exited in the 7th inning with an apparent shoulder injury. Ohtani, who has dazzled on the mound and at the plate this October, will undergo further testing as the Dodgers await word on his availability going forward.
Judge’s October Struggles Continue
For the Yankees, their biggest concern has been the uncharacteristic slump of slugger Aaron Judge. After an historic regular season that saw him break the AL home run record, Judge has largely been neutralized by Dodgers pitching. Through 9 at-bats, the likely AL MVP is hitting just .111 with 6 strikeouts.
I’ve got to be better, plain and simple. I’m getting some good pitches to hit, but I’m missing my chances. Trust me, no one is more frustrated than I am. But we have a lot of baseball left to play and I know I’m due. I’ve just got to keep grinding.
– Aaron Judge
Dodgers Pitching Setting the Tone
While Freeman and Ohtani have grabbed many of the headlines, the Dodgers’ starting pitching has quietly been a major difference-maker. Both Jack Flaherty and Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered quality starts and stifled the vaunted Yankees offense in Games 1 and 2. For a rotation that looked like the Dodgers’ lone weakness coming into the series, it has proven to be a surprising strength.
Shifting The Series to Yankee Stadium
As the series shifts to the Bronx, the Yankees will look to capitalize on home field advantage and get back into the series. With their backs against the wall, Aaron Boone’s club knows they need to make some adjustments to solve LA’s pitching and get their slumbering bats going.
- The Yankees have a clear pitching edge in Game 4 with Luis Gil starting opposite a Dodgers bullpen game. Taking advantage will be critical.
- Yankee hitters need to be more aggressive and make more contact after getting behind in too many counts and striking out 35% of the time in LA.
- Aaron Judge snapping out of his funk would provide a huge spark. As he goes, so often goes the Yankees offense.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers, armed with a 2-0 lead, will look to continue riding their hot bats and surprisingly sturdy starting pitching as they push for their first championship since 2020. If they can steal one of the next two games in New York, a title will be very much within their grasp.
We know it’s not over. The Yankees are a proud franchise and this series is far from finished. But we love the spot we’re in. We’ve just got to stay focused, keep playing our game, and the rest will take care of itself. We’re ready for the challenge of playing in that environment.
– Freddie Freeman
With Yankee Stadium sure to be rocking as the Bronx Faithful welcome their team home, the 2024 World Series now becomes a battle of which superstar club can impose its will and seize control of the Fall Classic. No matter what happens from here, baseball fans are undoubtedly in for a October treat as this historic rivalry writes its latest chapter.
