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Can the Yankees force a game 6 against the Dodgers?
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Can the Yankees force a game 6 against the Dodgers?

Originally posted on Dice City Sports  |  By Tony Reyes  |  Last updated Oct 30, 2024 5:03 PM ET
  • What: MLB World Series Game
  • When: October 30, 2024
  • Who:  Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Yankees
  • Time:  5:08 p.m. PST
  • Where: Yankee Stadium (The Bronx, NY)

The Los Angeles Dodgers will face the New York Yankees in Game 5 on Wednesday night in the Bronx, hoping to clinch the 2024 World Series. 

The Yankees secured an 11-4 victory on Tuesday, narrowing their series deficit to 3-1 and keeping their championship hopes alive.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Los Angeles will send right-handed pitcher Jack Flaherty to the mound (13-7, 3.16 ERA in the regular season).

Flaherty was acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline from the Detroit Tigers and has made a huge impact. Over his 10 appearances, he is 6-2 with a 3.58 ERA.

This postseason, Flaherty has a record of 1-2 with a 6.10 ERA. He has pitched in eight playoff games, seven of which he started. In Game 1, although he did not receive a decision, he threw 5.1 innings, allowing five hits, two earned runs, and one walk, while recording six strikeouts.

Throughout his career, he boasts a record of 55-41 with a 3.63 ERA.

First baseman Freddie Freeman is on an impressive run. He made history by becoming the first player to hit home runs in six consecutive World Series games, dating back to his time with the Atlanta Braves in 2021. He hit a two-run blast in the first inning on Tuesday. 

In this series, he has gone 5-for-16, with a triple, four home runs, 10 RBIs, and four runs scored. Across 12 postseason games this year, Freeman is batting .250 with one triple, four homers, 11 RBI, and five runs scored.

New York Yankees

New York is set to start their ace, right-hander Gerrit Cole (8-5, 3.41 ERA during the regular season). In the 2024 MLB playoffs, he holds a 1-0 record with a 2.82 ERA.

In Game 1, Cole pitched six innings, giving up just four hits and one earned run while recording four strikeouts, despite the Yankees losing 6-3.

His only postseason victory came in the ALDS against the Kansas City Royals on October 10, where he threw seven innings, allowed six hits, gave up one earned run, and struck out four.

Second baseman Gleyber Torres shined in Game 4 for the Yankees, delivering a three-run homer. He went 2-for-5 with a double in Game 1 of the series.

Over the last 10 postseason games, Torres has had five multi-hit performances, including a standout 3-for-5 performance in a 6-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians during the ALCS on October 15.

So far this postseason, he is batting .264, with three doubles, two home runs, eight RBIs, and ten runs scored across 13 games.

Dodgers-Yankees Best Bet

The Yankees bats woke up yesterday and their lineup finally got in a groove. It seems like the momentum is starting to swing their way.

However, I still don’t understand why they’re pitching to Freddie Freeman anymore. The best strategy would be just to walk him and deal with the rest of the Dodgers hitters.

Oddsmakers have favored the Yankees in this one, and I agree with them. Having Gerrit Cole back on the mound at home should be a huge boost. He’s been their best pitcher all season, and I believe they will win today with him on the mound.

The Yankees on the moneyline is -150 at BetMGM and I’d bet them to win this game and force a Game 6 back in Los Angeles.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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