October 28, 2024
NEW YORK CITY — The New York Yankees return home to Yankee Stadium on Monday night with their World Series title hopes on the line. Down 2-0 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Yankees are in desperate need of a win in Game 3, which kicks off at 8:08 p.m. ET on FOX. With the Bronx crowd behind them, they’ll aim to overcome the Dodgers’ early series lead and keep their championship dreams alive.
The Yankees have struggled offensively in the first two games, with players like [Aaron Judge](https://www.mlb.com/player/aaron-judge-592450), [Anthony Rizzo](https://www.mlb.com/player/anthony-rizzo-519203), [Alex Verdugo](https://www.mlb.com/player/alex-verdugo-646240), and [Austin Wells](https://www.mlb.com/player/austin-wells-679721) yet to make a significant impact. Rookie [Anthony Volpe](https://www.mlb.com/player/anthony-volpe-668731) has driven in a run but hasn’t managed a hit, highlighting the need for more firepower. Although [Juan Soto](https://www.mlb.com/player/juan-soto-665742) and [Giancarlo Stanton](https://www.mlb.com/player/giancarlo-stanton-519317) have performed well, they’ll need support from the rest of the lineup to get New York back on track.
Reflecting on the team’s resilience, Soto said, “We’ve been through a lot of tough moments throughout the year. We know how to take a couple punches in the face and just keep battling and keep going.” He and the Yankees are counting on a home-field boost to help turn the tide.
Rizzo, excited to be back in front of a home crowd, added, “The Bronx is a special place. They back us. They pump us up. They put pressure on other teams. When that stadium is rocking, we feel it. We need to get that energy when we come in on Monday and get it going.”
The Dodgers, while leading the series, aren’t without their own challenges. [Shohei Ohtani](https://www.mlb.com/player/shohei-ohtani-660271) injured his shoulder attempting to steal second base in Game 2. Though he’s expected to be in the lineup, his condition remains uncertain, and he was reportedly flown to New York separately for additional treatment. “[He’s the best player in the game](https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29362553), and to see him on the ground in pain, it’s not a good feeling for sure,” Dodgers utility player [Tommy Edman](https://www.mlb.com/player/tommy-edman-664192) said, noting that the team hopes for a speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, [Freddie Freeman](https://www.mlb.com/player/freddie-freeman-518692) has been a standout for the Dodgers, with a walk-off grand slam in Game 1 and a solo home run in Game 2. He’ll be a key threat as the Yankees aim to contain the Dodgers’ potent offense in Game 3.
For the Yankees, [Clarke Schmidt](https://www.mlb.com/player/clarke-schmidt-666160) takes the mound, relishing the opportunity to pitch at home in a pivotal game. “Obviously, it’s a dream come true being able to pitch the first game at home in a pivotal game,” Schmidt said. “We’re trying to win this World Series. I’m just trying to go out there and execute and do my job.” Schmidt will face off against Dodgers ace [Walker Buehler](https://www.mlb.com/player/walker-buehler-669257), who will look to solidify the Dodgers’ lead.
Historically, the Yankees have overcome a 2-0 deficit in the World Series before, most notably in [1996](https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/27/sports/yankees-take-on-braves-after-defying-odds.html) when they rallied to defeat the Atlanta Braves in six games. However, in 2001, the Yankees fell short in a similar situation against the Arizona Diamondbacks, losing in a seven-game series.
With the Bronx faithful rallying behind them, the Yankees have a chance to shift the momentum. But with a determined Dodgers lineup, Game 3 will be a test of New York’s grit and resilience in a bid to stay in the hunt for a World Series title.
