The LA Dodgers came into New York and took care of business. It is as simple as that. They started the game by going up 2-0 and just never really let up. While it was not a high scoring game per say, it felt like the Dodgers were up by eight at times. The Yankees were getting frustrated and it was visible. The pitching just was not there today and the offense somehow did worse.
Mean while on the other side, the Dodgers pitchers dominated the game while the offense did enough to win. While this may have been the least exciting game of the series, it sets up an exciting rest of the series. The Yankees now have their backs against the walls and the Dodgers do not look like they are slowing down any time soon. It will be must watch baseball in Game 4.
Game Summary
The Dodgers came out swinging in the first inning. Ohtani was up first and was walked. While on base he was holding his jersey as if to brace his shoulder. If you remember the last game it did seem like he injured his shoulder while sliding into a base. Mookie Betts flied out to bring up Freeman. Freddie Freeman kept his home run streak alive with a two run home run to put the Dodgers up 2-0.
New York would start the same way with a lead off walk. Soto would line out and Judge would continue his struggles with another strikeout. Stanton would ground out and a play to second would end the inning.
Jumping to the top of the 3rd, Dodgers still leading 2-0, Edman would be walked to lead off. Ohtani would ground out, advancing Edman to second base. Mookie Betts would single to right field, and Edman would time it perfectly and come in to score. 3-0 Dodgers.
In the top of the 6th, with one out, Gavin Lux would be hit by a pitch. He would then steal second to be in scoring position. And score he would off a Enrique Hernandez single to center. Hernandez would be caught stealing after Edman would strike out and that would end the inning.
Heading into the bottom of the 9th, down by four, the Dodgers would walk Anthony Rizzo. After a wild pitch, Rizzo would move to second. Austin Wells would pop out to foul territory, but Freeman would be there for the catch. Alex Verdugo would come up and hit a home run to bring the Yankees two runs closer. Unfortunately, it was too little too late as Torres would ground out to end the game.
Biggest Takeaways
Walker Buehler Was Stellar
Walker Buehler pitched five innings and absolutely dominated. Coming into this game, there was some reservations about what type of pitching they would get from him. He showed up and attacked the strike zone with authority. Only giving up two hits, no runs, and he had five strikeouts. Great game from Buehler, right when the Dodgers needed it.
Judge Stays Quiet….. Again
At this point, should we just think that this is the Judge that we should expect the rest of the way. Judge went 0 for 3 and did not get past first. He has not been able to make contact with the ball. He is swinging, but just no contact. His defensive play has been quite good , but they don’t really pay him for his defensive skills. The Yankees need the offensive help from Judge if they are to come back in this series.
Bottom Of The Dodgers Lineup Shines
The bottom of the Dodgers lineup really came through for them in this game. Gavin Lux and Tommy Edman were able to get runs while the rest of them were able to get the Yankees starter out of the game. They also were able to just drive up the pitch count on all the pitchers they faced. Just making whatever pitcher they faced fight for the out.
Yankees Pitching Did Not Have It Tonight
New York starter, Clarke Schmidt, would only go two an two thirds innings, giving up two hits, including a Freddie Freeman home run, three runs, and walked four batters. The Yankees would go on to use eight pitchers in the game. They would walk a total of six batters, had six strikeouts, and gave up _ runs. When the offense is not going, you can not walk that many batters.
Series Overview
This series just switched to New York and the Yankees were looking to get in this series. Unfortunately for them, that did not happen and they will look to stay alive with their home fans in attendance tomorrow. The Yankees will need their stars to shine if they want a chance. LA will want to not let up as they are still playing the Yankees and they could wake up at any moment. Should be interesting to see if the team from the Bronx can stave off elimination in Game 4.
Stay locked on Area 51 as the World Series heads to possibly the final game of the season!
