The Los Angeles Dodgers moved within one win of a World Series sweep over the New York Yankees, claiming a commanding 3-0 lead after a 4-2 win in Game 3. The Dodgers, led by another impressive outing from Walker Buehler and a scorching bat from Freddie Freeman, appear unstoppable as they chase their second title in five years and the franchise’s eighth overall.
Freddie Freeman, showing remarkable postseason poise, homered for the third consecutive game, launching a two-run shot just three batters into the contest. This blast not only set the tone for Game 3 but extended Freeman’s streak of home runs in World Series games to five, a feat last achieved by George Springer in 2017 with the Houston Astros. Freeman, who has appeared more mobile since recovering from a sprained right ankle earlier in the postseason, has been a pivotal force for the Dodgers. His earlier heroics in Game 1 included a walk-off grand slam – the first in World Series history – and since then, Los Angeles has only built on its momentum.
Pitching on the big stage, Walker Buehler displayed the nerves of a veteran ace, delivering another postseason gem. Over six solid innings, he held the Yankees to minimal offense, allowing just three hits before turning the ball over to the bullpen. Buehler’s performance underscored the Dodgers’ pitching depth, as he and six relievers combined to limit the Yankees to only five hits. The Dodgers, utilizing an array of bullpen options throughout the postseason, continued their success in managing arms with efficiency.
In addition to Freeman’s power, Mookie Betts and Kiké Hernández each chipped in with an RBI single, helping to chase Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt in the third inning. Teoscar Hernández also made his presence felt, throwing out a runner at home with a precise throw from left field, preventing a potential Yankees rally and preserving the Dodgers’ early lead. For the Yankees, it marked another difficult night at the plate, as their slumping offense managed only two runs, unable to capitalize on the limited chances they had.
Despite battling a partially dislocated left shoulder, superstar Shohei Ohtani suited up, determined to help his team. His grit and resilience were evident, but even his presence was not enough to spark the Yankees’ faltering offense. With their bats quiet and pitching staff thin, New York faces a formidable task to stay alive.
As the series shifts to Game 4 at Yankee Stadium, the Dodgers, running low on healthy starters, will once again rely on a bullpen game, their fourth of the postseason. For the Yankees, rookie right-hander Luis Gil is set to take the mound, tasked with keeping New York’s title hopes alive in this high-stakes showdown.
