The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees prepare for an intense showdown in game four of the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night. The Yankees have faced a challenging start, losing the first two games of the series and then narrowly avoiding a sweep with a loss in game three. The team is eager to secure a victory on Tuesday to keep their championship hopes alive. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are set to implement their fourth bullpen game of the playoffs, while the Yankees will send out right-handed pitcher Luis Gil (15-7, 3.50 ERA) to the mound. The first pitch is slated for 8:08 PM EST.
Continue reading for insights and predictions regarding game four between the Dodgers and Yankees.
Dodgers Rely on Bullpen Strategy
The Los Angeles Dodgers remain in a favorable position as the World Series advances to game four at Yankee Stadium. Having won the first two games of the series—6-3 in a thrilling 10-inning contest and 4-2 in a tightly contested game—Los Angeles is one step away from clinching the championship. Star player Shohei Ohtani faced a minor shoulder scare in game two but has since recovered and is ready to contribute. In game three, Freddie Freeman continued his impressive form, hitting a home run for the fifth consecutive World Series game, while pitcher Walker Buehler delivered a solid performance to secure the 4-2 victory.
For this pivotal fourth game, the Dodgers will again utilize a bullpen approach. They have previously employed this strategy three times during the playoffs, achieving a 2-1 record. Manager Dave Roberts has expertly managed his pitchers’ innings, allowing for rotation among eight, five, and seven pitchers in their previous outings. Ryan Brazier has been a key figure in these games, starting in two and appearing in all three. The Dodgers’ bullpen strategy has proven effective in the past, allowing them to maintain a competitive edge despite some recent challenges, including allowing 12 runs combined in their last two bullpen games.
Key Injuries: Designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, relief pitcher Michael Grove, and relief pitcher Joe Kelly are currently day-to-day.
Yankees Turn to Gil for Redemption
After returning home to Yankee Stadium, the New York Yankees are determined to turn their World Series fortunes around following two disappointing losses to the Dodgers. In game one, the Yankees were on the verge of victory but suffered a walk-off grand slam by Freddie Freeman. The second game saw them trailing for most of the match, with a strong but ultimately unsuccessful 9th-inning attempt to rally, leaving them with a 4-2 loss. The Yankees’ star hitters, Gleybor Torres, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge, struggled in the previous game, going a combined 0-for-9.
Facing elimination, the Yankees are turning to right-handed pitcher Luis Gil for game four. Gil had a strong start to the season, finishing with a record of 15-7 and a 3.50 ERA, along with 171 strikeouts. He pitched the most innings of his career this season, and after a brief absence from the ALDS, he returned to the mound in the American League Championship Series. Gil previously faced the Dodgers earlier in the season, pitching 5.2 innings and allowing three runs on five hits. His performance will be crucial to the Yankees’ hopes of avoiding a sweep.
Best Bets for Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Yankees
As the Yankees prepare for game four, they have won three of their last four playoff games at home, consistently scoring five or more runs in their victories. This trend could provide them an advantage against the Dodgers, who are using a bullpen game. The Dodgers have an average of nearly seven pitchers per game in their bullpen outings, and after a stellar start against the Padres, they have allowed 22 hits and 12 runs in their last two games. This scenario presents a significant opportunity for Yankees players like Aaron Judge and Anthony Volpe to regain their hitting form. Judge, currently batting .150, and Volpe, at .098, will need to step up to support Gil’s efforts on the mound. Gil’s well-rested status and competitive history against the Dodgers make him a vital asset in this crucial game.
