Game 1 of the 2024 World Series delivered a moment that will be etched in history for Dodgers fans, and it’s memorable enough to resonate with neutral spectators as well. However, for Yankees fans, the 6-3 defeat was tough to swallow. Luckily, the team has recently faced similar setbacks and rebounded quickly, winning the day after each loss. Facing the Dodgers, a formidable opponent, won’t be easy, but the Yankees have proven they don’t back down. A victory today would secure a split in Dodger Stadium before heading back to Yankee Stadium for three games—a scenario the Yankees would have eagerly accepted.
Looking ahead to Game 2, Carlos Rodón takes the mound after impressive performances in the ALCS, boasting a 2.53 ERA, 0.844 WHIP, and 15 strikeouts over 10.2 innings. The goal is to figure out Yoshinobu Yamamoto and chase him early, as he hasn’t gone past five innings since returning from the IL.
Here’s the lineup for Saturday night:
– 2B Gleyber Torres
– RF Juan Soto
– CF Aaron Judge
– DH Giancarlo Stanton
– 3B Jazz Chisholm Jr.
– 1B Anthony Rizzo
– SS Anthony Volpe
– C Austin Wells
– LF Alex Verdugo
No changes have been made from Game 1 or the ALCS Game 5 clincher. Some have suggested altering the lineup, especially since the Dodgers’ left-handed bullpen was effective against the lower part of the lineup. The Yankees previously avoided this left-heavy combination, but they can’t afford to move Stanton out of cleanup due to his importance—if the tying run comes up, they’d want him on deck.
Chisholm did shine in Game 1 with two hits, his first multi-hit game since late September, so he could contribute again. The key player remains Aaron Judge. Despite any questionable decisions, the Yankees could have secured a win if Judge had capitalized on his opportunities. In contrast, the Dodgers found their big hit through Freddie Freeman. If Judge struggles in the World Series, the Yankees’ chances of victory diminish significantly; they might have managed against teams like Kansas City and Cleveland, but the Dodgers demand more.