The New York Yankees are facing a tough 3-0 deficit against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, with Game 3 ending in a 4-2 loss at Yankee Stadium. A controversial decision to send Giancarlo Stanton home in a high-stakes moment underscored a night marked by frustration and a lack of offensive firepower, leaving the Yankees one loss away from elimination.
The Risky Call to Send Stanton Home: A Desperate Move?
In the fourth inning, the Yankees were already down 3-0 when Anthony Volpe hit a single into left field. With two outs, third base coach Luis Rojas waved Stanton around third, urging him to try and score. It was a risky call given Stanton’s history of injuries and limited speed, making him the slowest runner on the Yankees’ roster. However, the Yankees seemed eager to get on the board and, in that moment, were willing to gamble.
The outcome was not in their favor. Los Angeles outfielder Teoscar Hernández’s throw was perfectly timed, reaching the plate as Stanton slid in, ultimately resulting in an out. Reflecting on the play, Yankees manager Aaron Boone later acknowledged the move as an attempt to ignite the team’s offense. “We needed to challenge Teoscar there a little, especially with him moving to his right,” Boone said. “Credit to him — he made a great throw.”
Offensive Struggles Continue Despite Regular Season Success
The Yankees’ offensive woes have been a consistent theme this series. Despite a strong regular season where they ranked third in runs and first in home runs, the postseason has exposed a different story. Aaron Judge, a central figure in the Yankees’ lineup, has struggled to find his rhythm, going 1-for-12 with seven strikeouts across the first three games.
With Judge unable to produce, the Yankees haven’t been able to rely on the bottom of their lineup for run support either. Veterans like Anthony Rizzo, Alex Verdugo, and Jose Trevino have not managed to drive in runs when opportunities arise, making the team’s lack of offensive depth even more apparent.
Stanton, despite being one of the slowest runners on the team, has been New York’s most effective hitter in the playoffs. His six home runs and 1.110 OPS are impressive, but his limitations on the basepaths restrict the team’s ability to make aggressive plays without risking outs.
A Series Dominated by Dodgers’ Pitching and Defense
On the other side, Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler put forth a commanding performance, holding the Yankees to just two runs. The Dodgers’ defense, particularly Hernández’s pivotal throw to home plate, kept the Yankees from capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
Meanwhile, Yankees’ starter Clarke Schmidt struggled to keep the Dodgers at bay, giving up a two-run homer to Freddie Freeman in the first inning and an RBI single to Mookie Betts in the third. Schmidt was pulled in the third inning, adding pressure on the bullpen.
Yankees’ Hopes Fade as History Looms Large
The Yankees are now in a position no team has managed to overcome in the World Series — a 3-0 deficit. Only one team in MLB history, the 2004 Boston Red Sox, has successfully come back from a 3-0 hole, and they did so in the ALCS, not the World Series. For the Yankees, this situation leaves little room for error. If they hope to defy history, it will have to start with Game 4.
Despite the daunting circumstances, Aaron Judge remains hopeful. “We know our backs are against the wall,” Judge said. “If we win one game, who knows what could happen in the next.”
Boone is opting not to start ace Gerrit Cole on short rest for Game 4, instead putting the ball in rookie Luis Gil’s hands. Gil, who has only made one postseason start this year, has shown flashes of potential but lacks experience at this level. While there’s always a chance for a breakout performance, the odds are stacked against the Yankees, who need to find a way to contain a potent Dodgers offense.
Game 4: A Last Stand or Start of an Unlikely Comeback?
The Yankees’ season has come down to this: a must-win Game 4. Luis Gil will have to deliver a strong performance against the Dodgers, who are closing in on a World Series victory. For New York fans, the atmosphere is tense, with an overwhelming sense that this might be the end of the Yankees’ 2024 season.
If they can survive Game 4, a glimmer of hope may arise, but the journey would still be incredibly challenging. As they prepare for what could be their final game, the Yankees are focused on taking it one pitch at a time.
