The stage is set for one of baseball's oldest rivalries to renew its vigor on the grandest stage of them all. The New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to clash in the World Series, their 13th meeting in the Fall Classic, a testament to both teams' storied legacies and unyielding excellence.
Return of the Yankees
For the Yankees, this marks a momentous return to the World Series, a feat they haven't achieved since 2009. Coming off victories against the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS and the Cleveland Guardians in the ALCS, the Yankees have proven their mettle under the leadership of manager Aaron Boone. "It's no surprise," Boone remarked, reflecting on his team's journey back to this pinnacle moment. "Maybe they were just biding their time."
Gerrit Cole, the ace of their pitching staff and the Yankees' prized acquisition with a $324 million contract inked before the 2020 season, will be taking the mound as their Game 1 starter. Cole comes into the series with a postseason ERA of 3.31, bringing experience from his previous World Series appearance with the Astros in 2019 against the Nationals.
Dodgers' Consistent Dominance
Opposite the Yankees are the Dodgers, a team that has seen remarkable consistency, making their fourth World Series appearance since 2017. Having clinched the NL West division with a commendable 98 wins during the regular season, the Dodgers' path to the World Series saw them triumph over the San Diego Padres in the NLDS and the New York Mets in the NLCS. Their last World Series victory was in 2020, a triumph etched in the recent memory of their dedicated fan base.
Under the guidance of their manager, the team enters the series with a clear mission that extends beyond capturing just a single championship. "I’m reluctant to ever say World Series or bust, but this was a team put together with rings (note the plural) in mind,” shared the Dodgers manager, encapsulating the high expectations and ambitious vision harbored within the organization.
Pitching Showdown
As Dodger Stadium prepares to host Game 1 on Friday, Oct. 25 at 8:08 p.m., Jack Flaherty will be tasked with starting duties for the Dodgers. His postseason performance thus far has been a mix of highs and lows, highlighted by his challenging outing in NLCS Game 5, where he conceded eight runs in just three innings. Overall, Flaherty has allowed 12 runs in 15 ⅔ postseason innings, a statistic he'll be keen to improve upon against the Yankees. Notably, neither he nor Cole faced their World Series opponent during this year’s regular season, adding an element of unpredictability to this pitching duel.
Odds and Expectations
As the countdown to Game 1 narrows, many eyes are on the odds that favor the Dodgers, with a moneyline of -130 against the Yankees' +110. The over/under for the game is set at 8.5, hinting at a potentially compelling and closely contested matchup.
The Yankees' return to the World Series under Aaron Boone marks a chapter of return, resilience, and a shot at a new era of dominance. For the Dodgers, their consistent prowess and taste for victory signal a continuation of their remarkable run. As these titans of baseball prepare to take the field, the echoes of their rich histories promise a World Series replete with drama, excitement, and the spirit of competition that defines the game.