The Los Angeles Dodgers are now just one win away from capturing their first World Series title since 2020 after defeating the New York Yankees 4-2 in a pivotal Game 4 matchup at Yankee Stadium on Monday night. In a series that has been defined by dominant Dodger pitching, it was their often maligned bullpen that came up big, shutting down a potent Yankee lineup.
The big blow came off the bat of Dodger first baseman Freddie Freeman, who launched a tie-breaking two-run homer in the top of the seventh inning that stunned the raucous Bronx crowd. The blast was Freeman’s fourth of the series, tying a World Series record.
Dodgers Leaning on Bullpen and Getting Results
In a somewhat surprising move, the Dodgers handed the ball to rookie right-hander Ben Casparius to start Game 4 rather than bringing back co-aces Walker Buehler or Julio Urías on short rest. But manager Dave Roberts’ gamble paid off, as Casparius delivered 5 1/3 effective innings before handing it over to the bullpen.
The relief corps of Brusdar Graterol, Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips and Daniel Hudson shut down the Yankee bats the rest of the way, allowing just one run on three hits over the final 3 2/3 innings. It was a remarkable turnaround for a bullpen that had struggled mightily at times during the regular season.
“We knew that if we could just get a lead late in the game and hand it over to our big guys in the ‘pen, we’d have a great shot,” Freeman said after the game. “They were absolute nails tonight.”
– Freddie Freeman, Dodgers 1B
Judge’s Struggles Continue
For the Yankees, the loss puts them in a nearly impossible 3-1 series hole. Even more concerning is the continued slump of superstar slugger Aaron Judge, who went 0-for-4 in Game 4 and is now hitting a paltry .063 (1-for-16) in the series.
“I think he’s just in his head right now,” Yankee manager Aaron Boone said of Judge’s struggles. “He’s maybe trying to do too much. We need him to just relax and be himself. If he does that, the hits will come.”
– Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
The Yankees will now put their season in the hands of young right-hander Luis Gil in Wednesday’s Game 5. The 23-year-old compiled a solid 3.50 ERA over 28 regular season starts but will be making his postseason debut in the biggest of pressure spots.
Dodgers Aim To Close It Out
As for the Dodgers, they’ll have Buehler ready to go on full rest as they look to close out the Yankees and secure their second World Series title in five years. A Los Angeles victory would make them the first team to sweep a World Series since their very own club accomplished the feat against the Miami Marlins in 2018.
“We know we still have a lot of work to do. This Yankee team is never going to quit,” Roberts said. “But our guys can taste it now. We’re going to come out in Game 5 looking to finish the job.”
First pitch for the potential clincher is scheduled for 8:08 p.m. ET on Wednesday night back at Yankee Stadium. The Dodgers will aim to celebrate a title on their rival’s hallowed ground, while the Yankees look to stave off elimination and send the series back to Los Angeles.
World Series History Between Rivals
This 2024 World Series marks the 12th time the Dodgers and Yankees have met in the Fall Classic, the most of any matchup in MLB history. The Yankees have gotten the better of the rivalry so far, winning 8 of the previous 11 meetings. However, the Dodgers won the most recent matchup in 2019 and now have a chance to make it two straight over their cross-country nemesis.
| Year | Winning Team | Series Result |
| 1941 | Yankees | 4-1 |
| 1947 | Yankees | 4-3 |
| 1949 | Yankees | 4-1 |
| 1952 | Yankees | 4-3 |
| 1953 | Yankees | 4-2 |
| 1955 | Dodgers | 4-3 |
| 1956 | Yankees | 4-3 |
| 1963 | Dodgers | 4-0 |
| 1977 | Yankees | 4-2 |
| 1978 | Yankees | 4-2 |
| 1981 | Dodgers | 4-2 |
| 2019 | Dodgers | 4-2 |
Will this be the year the Dodgers finally tie up the all-time series at six wins apiece? We’ll find out over the next few days at the cathedral of baseball in the Bronx. It’s October drama at its finest between two of the sport’s marquee franchises.
