First Pitch: A Strategy for the Yankees to Achieve World Series History
Three games into their first World Series since 2009, the New York Yankees found themselves in an undesirable position: down three games to none against a formidable Los Angeles Dodgers team. To clinch the championship, they faced the daunting challenge of winning four consecutive games—a feat achieved only once before in postseason history and never in the World Series.
In a crucial Game 4, the Yankees secured a decisive 11-4 victory, keeping their hopes alive for at least one more day. Anthony Volpe hit a grand slam, Gleyber Torres contributed with a three-run homer, and Austin Wells delivered his best performance in months.
While scoring a win was significant, the Yankees still face a tough uphill battle. They need to win three straight games against the Dodgers, two of which will be played in Los Angeles.
Despite the odds, there’s a glimmer of hope, partly thanks to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, whose pitching decisions in Game 4 seemed less than strategic. Although a comeback appears unlikely, the opportunity is there. Here’s how the Yankees can proceed.
### How the Yankees Can Win Game 5 of the World Series
Game 5 hinges on Gerrit Cole. The Yankees signed him to a nine-year, $324 million contract to perform in crucial games like this one. When he’s on his game, he can lead the team to victory.
In Game 1, Cole pitched effectively, allowing only one run over six innings, but was removed after just 88 pitches. A similar or improved performance in Game 5 is essential.
The Yankees’ bullpen is stretched thin, with starters other than Cole combining for just 10 innings in the first three games. Key relievers have appeared in back-to-back games, so their effectiveness may be in question. Cole needs to deliver an ace-level performance to relieve some pressure.
Facing Jack Flaherty will be challenging, especially if his curveball is sharp as it was in Game 1, but the Yankees managed to exploit him in the sixth inning of that game with a two-run homer from Giancarlo Stanton.
After a resurgence in Game 4, the Yankees must maintain momentum in the more difficult Game 5. They need to put pressure on Flaherty, but ultimately, their success depends on Cole’s performance.
### How the Yankees Can Win Game 6 of the World Series
If the Yankees reach Game 6, it will be a testament to their resilience. However, this game will be tougher, especially without Cole and facing Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Yankees had a rotation advantage coming into the series, but this matchup does not favor them.
Carlos Rodon, who struggled in his previous outing, must step up. After a lackluster performance, he needs to deliver more than just a mediocre outing, especially since Boone can’t afford to wait for him to settle in.
The Yankees’ bullpen has performed surprisingly well, not allowing a run in relief during Game 2. They will need to continue this dominance.
Offensively, the Yankees must show up against Yamamoto. Will Aaron Judge finally break out? Can Giancarlo Stanton deliver another standout performance? It can’t all fall on Juan Soto, who was the only one to score against Yamamoto in previous encounters.
How the Yankees Can Win Game 7 of the World Series
Reaching Game 7 is a monumental task, but if their high-priced pitchers perform, it’s possible. However, winning Game 7 presents its own challenges.
Psychologically, the Yankees may benefit from the momentum of having evened the series, but their pitching advantage is less certain against Walker Buehler, who has shown great form lately.
Buehler’s recent performances have been strong, and the Yankees will need to be more aggressive at the plate after being passive in their previous encounters.
Clarke Schmidt will need to be managed carefully, similar to Rodon. He’s had struggles this postseason, and the Yankees can’t afford a repeat of previous issues.
Leaning on the bullpen and adopting a more aggressive batting approach could give the Yankees a fighting chance at their 28th World Series title.
While completing such a comeback is no small feat, factors like improved baserunning, defense, and contributions from key players will be crucial in these remaining games. The Dodgers have opened a small window of hope, but the journey ahead remains steep.
