Game 3 World Series Preview: Yankees Seek to Avert Sweep with Return to Bronx
The New York Yankees face a must-win Game 3 of the World Series Monday night as they host the Los Angeles Dodgers, who lead the series 2-0 after securing consecutive wins at Dodger Stadium. Freddie Freeman’s dramatic walk-off home run in Game 1 and a solid Game 2 victory by the Dodgers have set the stage, placing the Yankees in a critical position to defend home field at Yankee Stadium.
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Betting Odds and Trends
For Game 3, the Yankees are 1.5-run favorites behind starting pitcher Clark Schmidt. Although the Yankees hold the edge in odds, bettors at BetRivers have placed 85% of spread-line wagers and 81% of the moneyline money in favor of the Dodgers, whose -175 moneyline has been attractive to backers. On the other hand, the Yankees’ -137 moneyline did secure a notable $10,000 wager.
The Over/Under is set at 8.5 runs, and with the series shifting to Yankee Stadium, the Over has been backed by 84% of the money. Games 1 and 2 in Los Angeles averaged 7.5 total runs.
Key Prop Bets
- Walker Buehler Under 14.5 Total Outs (-140 at DraftKings): Buehler has struggled to extend past five innings in recent outings, including a brief 4-inning start against the Mets. Given the Dodgers’ rested bullpen and Dave Roberts’ tendency to play percentages, Buehler may see limited action.
- Juan Soto Over 0.5 Hits (-195 at BetRivers): Soto has been consistent, racking up a hit in seven of his last eight games, and bettors are heavily backing him to notch at least one hit again in Game 3.
Pitching Matchup
Yankees: Clark Schmidt
Schmidt will make his third consecutive postseason Game 3 start, aiming to deliver a solid outing after allowing two runs in 4 2/3 innings against Cleveland in the ALCS. Schmidt will need to navigate the Dodgers’ lineup with precision, particularly if he’s to keep New York in a position to challenge early.
Dodgers: Walker Buehler
Buehler is known for stepping up in the World Series spotlight, holding a 1-0 record and a 0.69 ERA in previous Fall Classic appearances. However, he’s had ups and downs this postseason, allowing six runs against the Padres but redeeming himself with a 4-inning, shutout outing against the Mets. A strong showing in Game 3 could potentially line him up for a Game 7 availability if needed.
Players to Watch
- Aaron Judge (Yankees): Judge is 6-for-40 with 19 strikeouts in the postseason, struggling with plate discipline. However, he’s positioned between Soto and Stanton, who have combined for a formidable .313 batting average and 10 home runs in the playoffs. Judge’s ability to adjust his approach could be pivotal.
- Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers): Despite a quiet 1-for-8 start and a minor shoulder injury, Ohtani remains a threat, and manager Dave Roberts has expressed confidence in his ability to contribute. If Ohtani rebounds, he could provide a significant boost to the Dodgers’ offense.
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Series Outlook and Prediction
The Yankees are no strangers to rebounding from a 2-0 World Series deficit, having done so four times in their history. They return to a friendly Yankee Stadium, where they are 3-1 this postseason, giving them a needed morale boost. Despite Schmidt’s underdog role against Buehler, the Yankees’ potent lineup, led by the red-hot bats of Soto and Stanton, gives them a good chance to prevent a 3-0 series hole.
Prediction: Yankees 6, Dodgers 5