The New York Yankees Giancarlo Stanton, right, is tagged out at home by Dodgers catcher Will Smith during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani walks to the plate to bat during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt throws to the plate during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers Freddie Freeman hits a two-run home run during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Dodgers Freddie Freeman hits a two-run home run during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers Freddie Freeman watches the flight of his two-run home run during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The Dodgers Freddie Freeman drops his bat as he watches the flight of his two-run home run during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Dodgers Freddie Freeman celebrates as he runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Dodgers Freddie Freeman celebrates as he runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers Freddie Freeman celebrates as he runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The Dodgers Freddie Freeman celebrates as he runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers Freddie Freeman celebrates as he runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers Freddie Freeman, right, celebrates with teammate Shohei Ohtani after they both scored on Freemans two-run home run during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The Dodgers Freddie Freeman, right, celebrates with teammate Shohei Ohtani after they both scored on Freemans two-run home run during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The Dodgers Freddie Freeman celebrates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt throws to the plate during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler tosses a ball after walking the New York Yankees Gleyber Torres during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers left fielder Teoscar Hernández catches the ball for an out during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler throws to the plate during the second inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge walks back to the dugout after striking out during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt throws to the plate during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers Mookie Betts hits an RBI single during the third inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The Dodgers Mookie Betts hits an RBI single during the third inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Dodgers Mookie Betts hits an RBI single during the third inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt throws to the plate during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt walks back to the dugout during the second inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler throws to the plate during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts during the third inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt, right, hands the ball to Manager Aaron Boone as he is replaced during the third inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
New York Yankees relief pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. throws to the plate during the third inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler throws to the plate during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. Buehler pitched five scoreless innings in a 4-2 win. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
New York Yankees star Juan Soto reacts after grounding out during the third inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The Dodgers Tommy Edman bunts during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The Dodgers Kike Hernández hits a single during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
New York Yankees relief pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. tosses the ball to catcher Jose Trevino during the third inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. Trevino tagged the Dodgers Gavin Lux out at home. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The Dodgers Gavin Lux is tagged out by New York Yankees catcher Jose Trevino during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers Gavin Lux is tagged out by New York Yankees catcher Jose Trevino during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Dodgers Gavin Lux, left, is tagged out by New York Yankees catcher Jose Trevino during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
New York Yankees relief pitcher Nestor Cortes throws to the plate during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts to a called strike during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
New York Yankees relief pitcher Nestor Cortes throws to the plate during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani strikes out during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers right field Mookie Betts makes a catch on a sinking line drive for an out during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees Giancarlo Stanton, right, is tagged out at home by Dodgers catcher Will Smith during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The New York Yankees Giancarlo Stanton, left, is tagged out at home by Dodgers catcher Will Smith during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers catcher Will Smith, center, reacts after tagging out the New York Yankees Giancarlo Stanton, left, on a throw from left fielder Teoscar Hernandez, not pictured, during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees Giancarlo Stanton lies on the ground after being tagged out while trying to score during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers catcher Will Smith celebrates after tagging the New York Yankees Giancarlo Stanton out at home on a throw from left fielder Teoscar Henrandez during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy throws to first base for an out during the fifth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler throws to the plate during the first inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. Buehler pitched five scoreless innings in a 4-2 win. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts catches a ball for an out during the fifth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Dodgers Gavin Lux is hit by a pitch thrown by New York Yankees relief pitcher Jake Cousins during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Dodgers Gavin Lux is hit by a pitch thrown by New York Yankees relief pitcher Jake Cousins during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The Dodgers Kiké Hernández hits an RBI single during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The Dodgers Gavin Lux, right, scores as New York Yankees catcher Jose Trevino waits for a late throw during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The Dodgers Gavin Lux, left, slides home safely in front of New York Yankees catcher Jose Trevino during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Dodgers Gavin Lux, right, scores past New York Yankees catcher Jose Trevino during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers Gavin Lux, right, scores past New York Yankees catcher Jose Trevino during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers Gavin Lux, left, scores past New York Yankees catcher Jose Trevino during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The Dodgers Gavin Lux, left, is safe at home as New York Yankees catcher Jose Trevino looks to the infield during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The Dodgers Gavin Lux celebrates in the dugout after scoring during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers Kike Hernández, right, is tagged out by New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe while attempting to steal second base during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Dodgers relief pitcher Brusdar Graterol throws to the plate during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers second baseman Gavin Lux throws to first base for an out during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Dodgers relief pitcher Brusdar Graterol celebrates during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The New York Yankees Giancarlo Stanton singles past Dodgers relief pitcher Brusdar Graterol during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dodgers relief pitcher Alex Vesia throws to the plate during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees Aaron Judge hits a single during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees Aaron Judge reacts on the field during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone, center, speaks to players on the mound during a pitching change in the seventh inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
New York Yankees relief pitcher Tim Hill throws to the plate during the seventh inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani reacts after fouling off a pitch during the seventh inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Yankees relief pitcher Tim Hill throws to the plate during the seventh inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani walks to the dugout after a pop-up during the seventh inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers relief pitcher Daniel Hudson throws to the plate during the seventh inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy tries to catch a foul ball during the seventh inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees Anthony Volpe loses his bat as he swings for strike three during the seventh inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The New York Yankees Anthony Volpe loses his bat as he swings for strike three during the seventh inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The New York Yankees Anthony Volpe, left, loses hold of his bat after striking out during the seventh inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Dodgers major league field coordinator Bob Geren catches a bat that the New York Yankees Anthony Volpe lost a hold of during the seventh inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Dodgers relief pitcher Daniel Hudson throws to the plate during the seventh inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Dodgers relief pitcher Daniel Hudson, center, speaks to pitching coach Mark Prior, second from right, and his teammates during a mound visit in the seventh inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Dodgers relief pitcher Anthony Banda throws to the plate during the seventh inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers relief pitcher Anthony Banda celebrates at the end of the seventh inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The New York Yankees Gleyber Torres walks back to the dugout after striking out to end the seventh inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers relief pitcher Ryan Brasier throws to the plate during the eighth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
New York Yankees star Juan Soto flies out during the eighth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Dodgers relief pitcher Michael Kopech throws to the plate during the ninth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees Alex Verdugo hits a two-run home run during the ninth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees Alex Verdugo watches the flight of his two-run home run during the ninth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees Alex Verdugo, right, celebrates with teammate Anthony Rizzo after hitting a two-run home run during the ninth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Dodgers catcher Will Smith, front, and relief pitcher Michael Kopech celebrate after the final out of their 4-2 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, right, and relief pitcher Michael Kopech celebrate after their 4-2 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, right, and relief pitcher Michael Kopech celebrate after their 4-2 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
From left, the Dodgers Gavin Lux, Kiké Hernández, Tommy Edman and Mookie Betts celebrate after their 4-2 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani takes the field for introductions before Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani takes the field for introductions before Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, right, is greeted by Manager Dave Roberts during team introductions before Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, back left, Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts (50) watch as the New York Yankees are introduced before Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
An American flag covers the outfield during the national anthem before Game 3 of the World Series between the Yankees and the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The Dodgers and the New York Yankees line up for the national anthem before Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter waves before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 3 of the World Series between the Yankees and the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter walks off the field after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 3 of the World Series between the Yankees and the Dodgers on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Musician Fat Joe performs on the field before Game 3 of the World Series between the Dodgers and the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Musician Fat Joe performs on the field before Game 3 of the World Series between the Dodgers and the New York Yankees on Monday night in New York. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Show Caption1 of 105The New York Yankees Giancarlo Stanton, right, is tagged out at home by Dodgers catcher Will Smith during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
ExpandNEW YORK — Rapper Fat Joe sang before Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night at Yankee Stadium.
The fat lady could be up next.
The Dodgers got a two-run home run from Freddie Freeman in the first inning and never looked back, moving within one game of their first full-season championship since 1988 with a 4-2 victory over the New York Yankees.
Starting with Freeman’s 10th-inning walk-off grand slam in Game 1, the Dodgers have outscored the Yankees 12-4 while taking the first three games of this Series. They will go for the championship – and the first World Series sweep since 2012 (San Francisco Giants over Detroit Tigers) – in Game 4 on Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. It would be only the second sweep in the 12 World Series meetings between these two rivals (the Dodgers also did it in 1963).
“Just really focusing on winning the game tomorrow as a team,” Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani said through his interpreter. “There’s nothing better than to be able to have the opportunity to do so.”
Ohtani has replaced Freeman as the wounded Dodger heroically playing on. Ohtani emerged for pregame introductions wearing a brace or heating pad on his injured left shoulder under his jacket and clutched his left arm close to his body when running the bases. He went 0 for 3 but reached base twice – on a walk and when he was hit in the foot by a pitch.
Freeman, meanwhile, has clearly recovered from the sprained ankle that hampered him so badly during the first two rounds of the postseason. He turned on an inside cutter from Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt in the first inning Monday night and lined it into the right-field seats for a two-run home run.
“Just based off what he’s done the last three games – we obviously have to find a way to win one more game, but let’s say we win one more game at some point – I expect Freddie to never pay for a meal ever again in L.A.,” utility man Kiké Hernandez said.
Freeman also homered in the third inning of Game 2, making him only the third player to homer in each of the first three games in a World Series (Barry Bonds in 2002, Hank Bauer in 1958). Freeman also homered for the Atlanta Braves in Games 5 and 6 of the 2021 World Series, giving him home runs in a record-tying five consecutive World Series Games. George Springer also did it for the Houston Astros in the 2017 and 2019 World Series.
“This game is hard – round ball and round bat, and moving a lot of different ways and coming fast,” Freeman said. “So I’m thankful that it (his swing) is in a good spot right now when we need it the most.
“I’m just seeing the ball very well. I’m swinging at the strikes, taking the balls. It’s what you’re trying to do every game. And thankfully, I’ve been able to do that.”
In perhaps his final game in a Dodgers uniform – he will be a free agent this winter – Walker Buehler recalled his own history. Pitching like the Buehler of old, he held the Yankees scoreless for five innings, allowing just two hits and two walks.
“Listen, man, we play professional baseball for a living,” Buehler said. “When it’s going good, there’s not much else you’d rather do on this earth.”
There were few times during the regular season when Buehler had that feeling. But his 5.38 ERA from the regular season has been irrelevant in the postseason. Buehler allowed six runs in the second inning of Game 3 in the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres – then gave the Dodgers 12 consecutive scoreless innings through the rest of his postseason. He has allowed just one run in his 18 career World Series innings.
“We all knew what he was going to do. We all know he turns into a different animal in the postseason,” reliever Anthony Banda said.
“It’s just in his DNA,” second baseman Gavin Lux said. “Some guys just have it. The bigger the moment the bigger they perform. Walker’s got that in him. He always has. You just see that different look in his eyes. The bigger the game we all want Walker out there.”
That six-run inning in the NLDS was fueled by poor defense – so they owed him one. The only time Buehler ran into trouble against the Yankees, the defense stepped up around him.
Giancarlo Stanton doubled with one out in the fourth inning (the first hit off Buehler). Mookie Betts made a diving catch on Jazz Chisholm’s sinking liner for the second out before Anthony Volpe dropped a single into left field. Teoscar Hernandez came up throwing, firing a 93.9 mph bullet (his fastest throw of the season via Statcast) on one hop to catcher Will Smith who tagged Stanton out to keep the Yankees scoreless.
“The Teo throw was huge. It obviously killed the momentum,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Mookie’s play on the sinking liner from Jazz. I thought Walker was kind of feeling it a little bit. There was starting to be a bit more hard contact. So to make a defensive play on a sinking liner and then the play at home plate was huge for all of us.”
After the power burst by Freeman, the Dodgers took more pedestrian routes to tacking on single runs in the third and sixth.
In the third, Tommy Edman drew a leadoff walk, went to second on Ohtani’s ground out and raced home on Betts’ bloop single to right field. In the sixth, Gavin Lux was hit by a pitch, stole second and just beat the throw home to score on Kiké Hernandez’s single to center field.
Roberts made his bullpen calls with one eye on Tuesday’s pitching plan – and continued to make all the right choices, as he has throughout this postseason run.
But he had to survive scares in the sixth and seventh innings. Most dangerously, the Yankees put two runners on with two outs in the seventh. With Juan Soto on deck, Anthony Banda struck out Gleyber Torres when home plate umpire Mark Carlson called a 2-and-2 fastball that was clearly above the zone strike three.
“I’m not answering that,” Banda said when asked if the pitch really was a strike.
The Dodgers were one out away from their fifth shutout of this posteason (which would have tied Cleveland’s postseason record from 2016) when Alex Verdugo hit a two-run home run off of Michael Kopech.
“I think for some of the guys that were here – Kiké, Clayton (Kershaw), the coaches, Austin Barnes, I think Blake Treinen, just some guys that were here with us – we want that parade,” Roberts said, referring to the Dodgers’ last World Series championship, won on a neutral field following the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. “We never got a chance to celebrate with the city of Los Angeles. That’s something of an incentive.
“But outside of that, you have an opportunity to be a world champion. So we’re right there.”