The 2024 World Series continues with Game 5 on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium, featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers (98-64) and the New York Yankees (94-68). The Dodgers have established a strong 3-1 series lead, winning the first two games on their home turf and taking Game 3 with a score of 4-2 in New York. The Yankees managed to stave off elimination with a victory in Game 4. The game is set to begin at 8:08 PM EST and will be broadcast on FOX.
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Below, explore our analysis and predictions for the upcoming showdown between the Dodgers and Yankees.
Dodgers Aim for Series Clinch
The Los Angeles Dodgers encountered a setback in Game 4, losing 11-4 despite taking an early lead. Freddie Freeman hit a home run in the first inning, propelling the Dodgers to a 2-0 start. However, they found themselves trailing 5-2 by the end of the third inning. The Dodgers opted to save their best relievers for Game 5, hoping to capitalize on a fresh bullpen. Freeman and catcher Will Smith both contributed home runs in the losing effort, but it was not enough to secure the win.
Freeman’s remarkable performance continues, as he has homered in every game of this World Series. If the Dodgers manage to secure a victory in any of the upcoming games, Freeman is likely to take home the MVP award. He currently has a batting average of .250 in the playoffs but is making history with his home run streak. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani, still recovering from a shoulder injury, contributed one hit but no RBIs. Mookie Betts and Will Smith also had decent performances, with Smith hitting his third home run of the postseason.
The Dodgers will turn to pitcher Jack Flaherty for Game 5. Flaherty was instrumental in their Game 1 victory, pitching 5.1 innings and allowing only two earned runs. Across four postseason starts, he holds a 6.10 ERA, having allowed 14 home runs. The Dodgers are banking on him to regain his form and lead them to victory.
Yankees Fight for Survival
The New York Yankees kept their championship hopes alive with a crucial win in Game 4. In a surprising twist, the home runs came from Anthony Volpe, Gleyber Torres, and Austin Wells—players not typically seen as the team’s heavy hitters. Volpe’s grand slam in the third inning gave the Yankees a 5-2 lead, energizing the crowd at Yankee Stadium.
Manager Aaron Boone captured the electrifying atmosphere, stating, “It’s like you finally got to see the top blow off Yankee Stadium in a World Series game.” Volpe finished with an impressive 2-3 performance and four RBIs. Torres added a three-run homer in the eighth inning, contributing to the Yankees’ commanding lead. However, star player Aaron Judge has yet to hit a home run in the World Series, leaving fans eager for his breakout performance after a record-setting season.
The Yankees will call upon Gerrit Cole to start in Game 5. In his prior outing, he pitched six innings and allowed just one earned run, though the bullpen faltered afterward. With the stakes high, Cole is expected to pitch deeply into the game if he performs well. He has a 2.82 ERA in the playoffs, showcasing his ability with 16 strikeouts and only one home run allowed.
Predictions for Dodgers vs. Yankees
Analysts predict that the Dodgers will complete the series with a confident victory in Game 5. The strategic decision to conserve top relievers in Game 4 positions Los Angeles favorably for a decisive win. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the need for strong offensive support, stating, “It’s challenging. I think you’ve got to be certain that you can score some runs.” Flaherty’s previous performance against the Yankees adds to the Dodgers’ optimism.
While the Yankees’ recent success in Game 4 showcased unexpected power from their lineup, relying on less experienced players like Volpe, Torres, and Wells may prove unsustainable. With Freeman’s consistent home run presence and Ohtani’s potential for a stronger performance, the Dodgers are anticipated to refocus and bring the series to a close.
