The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers prepare for a thrilling game two of the 2024 World Series in Los Angeles on Saturday night. In a gripping Game 1 that extended to 10 innings, the Dodgers emerged victorious with a 6-3 scoreline, highlighted by a dramatic grand slam from Freddie Freeman against left-hander Nestor Cortes. The Yankees secured their place in the World Series after defeating the Kansas City Royals (3-1) and the Cleveland Guardians (4-1) in the American League Championship Series. Meanwhile, the Dodgers advanced with series wins over the San Diego Padres (3-1) and the New York Mets (4-2). The upcoming pitching duel features Yankees’ Carlos Rodon (16-9, 3.96/1-1, 4.40) facing Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-2, 3.00/1-0, 5.10). Fans can expect the first pitch at 8:08 pm EST.
Are you interested in a Yankees vs. Dodgers prediction? Continue reading for insights!
Yankees Aim for Series Equalization
The Yankees return to the World Series for the first time since 2009, facing the Los Angeles Dodgers in a highly anticipated matchup. This marks the 12th World Series meeting between these storied franchises, the last being in 1981. Earlier this season, the Yankees faced the Dodgers in Los Angeles, where the Dodgers claimed victory in two of three games. Heading into the World Series, the Yankees have been batting .237 as a team with a slugging percentage of .414. Star outfielder Juan Soto continues to shine in the postseason, boasting a .333 batting average along with three home runs and nine RBIs. The Yankees’ pitching staff has been formidable as well, with a postseason ERA of 3.27 and a WHIP of 1.31. In Game 1, despite strong performances from ace Gerrit Cole and a home run from Giancarlo Stanton, they fell short to the Dodgers, relinquishing leads twice during the game.
For Game 2, the Yankees rely on the powerful arm of lefty Carlos Rodon. Over the past month and into the playoffs, Rodon has established himself as one of the Yankees’ most dependable starters. He has posted a 1-1 record in three postseason starts, amassing 22 strikeouts over 14.1 innings. The decision to start Rodon came after much consideration, likely due to Clarke Schmidt’s impressive road performance this season and Rodon’s success at home. On the road, Rodon has a 4.40 ERA this season across 18 starts but has excelled recently, with a 2.20 ERA over his last five starts. The Yankees have secured victories in both of Rodon’s starts against the Guardians in the ALCS, but this will be his first road start during the playoffs.
Dodgers Rely on Yamamoto’s Skills
The Dodgers are making their return to the World Series for the first time since their 2021 championship victory, facing the Yankees once again. With a rich history of 21 World Series appearances, the Dodgers have clashed with the Yankees 11 times in the past. Their lineup is among the most formidable in baseball, featuring potential National League MVP Shohei Ohtani. This season, Ohtani made history by becoming the first player to hit over 50 home runs and steal more than 50 bases in a single year. As they approach Game 1, the Dodgers have a team batting average of .251 and a slugging percentage of .434 in the playoffs. Their standout player, NLCS MVP Tommy Edman, is hitting an impressive .341 with 12 RBIs. In the thrilling Game 1, the Dodgers tied the score in the 8th inning, fueled by Ohtani’s double and Mookie Betts’ sacrifice fly, before Freeman’s walk-off grand slam sealed the win, giving LA a 1-0 series lead.
The Dodgers will take the field with Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound for Game 2. Yamamoto has shown resilience despite a rocky start in the postseason; he currently holds a record of 1-0 with a 5.11 ERA. This figure may be misleading, as he struggled in his initial outing against the Padres, allowing five runs in three innings. However, he has since rebounded, pitching 9.1 innings and allowing only two runs while striking out ten. The strategy for Yamamoto is to maximize his innings to help set up the bullpen. Earlier this season, he faced the Yankees and delivered an impressive seven shutout innings, allowing just two hits while striking out seven.
Top Betting Options for Yankees vs. Dodgers
Even with a lineup featuring left-handed hitters like Ohtani, Freeman, and Muncy, the Dodgers have showcased strong performance against lefties during the playoffs, approaching a .300 batting average. The rise of Yamamoto’s game during the postseason has been a significant advantage for the team. The rookie pitcher has maintained a 1-0 postseason record, allowing just two runs in his last two starts while effectively reaching the fifth inning. His recent uptick in strikeouts has also been notable, with ten strikeouts in his last two starts. In contrast, Rodon has struggled on the road, with a 4.40 ERA away from Yankee Stadium. After two commendable starts against the Guardians, he faces the challenge of delivering another strong performance Saturday night. The Dodgers have shown resilience at home, boasting a 4-2 playoff record and a formidable 52-29 regular-season record at Dodger Stadium. Yamamoto’s strong home performance, with a 3.88 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 46.1 innings during the regular season, further supports the Dodgers’ chances to continue their success at home before the series shifts to New York.
