Dodgers and Yankees: polar opposites

Just one year ago, the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees clashed in the MLB World Series. The California franchise came out on top in six games, claiming the championship. Today, the two storied teams find themselves on very different paths.

Dave Roberts’ Dodgers are on the verge of a repeat title run, just one win away from eliminating the Phillies. After taking the first two games in Philadelphia, they’ll look to close out the series this Wednesday in Game 3 at Dodger Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Yankees are fighting for survival against the Blue Jays. New York was pummeled in the first two games, giving up a staggering 23 runs and looking all but knocked out. Still, Aaron Boone’s squad showed signs of life with a gutsy comeback in Game 3, pulling off a 9–6 win.

What’s going on with the Yankees?

Pitching has been the Achilles’ heel for New York in this series. Luis Gil was shelled for two runs in just two innings, prompting Boone to pull the plug early. The result? A lopsided 10-1 loss. Luke Weaver struggled in relief, surrendering three runs, and Paul Blackburn was tagged for four more.

Game 2 didn’t offer much relief. Max Fried gave up seven runs in three innings, and the Blue Jays racked up 23 runs across the first two games.

Injuries have plagued the Yankees all season. Ace Gerrit Cole missed the entire year after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Clarke Schmidt suffered the same fate. Marcus Stroman has also been sidelined. Health has been the biggest obstacle in New York’s quest to return to the Fall Classic.

But when the Yankees needed him most, Aaron Judge - often criticized for disappearing in big moments - finally delivered. With the team on life support at home, the captain came through with three hits and four RBIs, including a clutch three-run homer in the fourth inning.

“I never had one like that right at the foul pole,” Judge said after the game. “Thankfully the ghost kind of took that one over and kept it fair for us. That was a nice one.”

You couldn’t explain it better. The Yankees needed all the divine intervention they could get. It felt like Babe Ruth, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle and the rest of the Yankee legends reached down to prevent the sweep.

Both teams take the field again this Wednesday. The Dodgers aim to sweep the Phillies in Los Angeles, while the Yankees fight to stay alive against Toronto.

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