LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 26: Mookie Betts #50 and Teoscar Hernández #37 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after Hernández hit a home run in the third inning against the New York Yankees during Game Two of the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo : https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/mookie-betts-and-teoscar-hern%C3%A1ndez-of-the-los-angeles-news-photo/2181263819?adppopup=true)
The highly anticipated showdown between baseball's two biggest stars, Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers and Aaron Judge of the Yankees, has not gone as expected, with both MVP-caliber sluggers underperforming in the World Series. Despite both players' struggles, the Dodgers took a commanding 3-0 lead over the Yankees on Monday night with a 4-2 victory, leaving them one win away from the championship.
Dodgers Dominate Early, Thanks to Freeman and Buehler
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman wasted no time setting the tone, launching a two-run homer in the first inning. His clutch hit provided a solid lead, which Dodgers starter Walker Buehler backed up with five scoreless innings, allowing only two hits. "You couldn't ask for a better start in these three games," Freeman said. "We've got one more to go, though."
The Dodgers' bullpen maintained the advantage after Buehler's exit, fortifying a pitching strategy that has defined their postseason.
The Yankees now find themselves in a 3-0 series hole, a position no team has ever overcome in World Series history. Manager Aaron Boone remains hopeful despite the odds, urging his team to focus on small steps.
"Hopefully, we can go be this amazing story and shock the world," Boone remarked according to New York Times. "But right now, it's about trying to get a lead, trying to grab a game and force another one. But we've got to grab one first."
Clarke Schmidt Struggles as Yankees Lineup Falters
Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt faced early challenges, unable to get past the third inning after Freeman's home run shook his confidence. Meanwhile, the Yankees' bats remained silent, stranding eight runners. Team captain and MVP candidate Aaron Judge has yet to find his rhythm, going hitless on Monday and batting just .140 this postseason. Judge, who was met with chants of "M-V-P," has faced mounting pressure, leaving fans anxious for a turnaround.
Ohtani Battles Through Injury, Judge Struggles to Find His Form
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 25: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers bats in the tenth inning against the New York Yankees during Game One of the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 25, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo: Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Ohtani has been playing through a partially dislocated left shoulder, an injury he sustained during an awkward slide in Game 2 in Los Angeles. In pain, Ohtani rotated and nursed the shoulder between pitches Monday night, going 0-for-3 but reaching base twice. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised his resilience. "He did a very nice job of competing," Roberts noted, according to Sportico. "It didn't look like it got any worse. I just really appreciate him posting tonight."
The Yankees' Judge, meanwhile, faces no physical limitations but has struggled throughout the series, hitting 1-for-12 with seven strikeouts. This World Series slump follows a similar disappointing playoff performance from Judge in recent years. "I've definitely got to step up. I've got to do my job," Judge acknowledged. "Guys around here are doing their job, getting on base. I'm failing them, not backing them up."