The much-anticipated Game 1 of the 2024 World Series between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers promises an electrifying showdown between baseball’s most storied franchises. With the Yanks’ Gerrit Cole set to face off against Dodgers’ Jack Flaherty, fans are bracing for an intense contest.
Game 1 is extremely crucial for both sides to get the momentum early in the long seven-game series. In the World Series, the one to absorb the pressure is greater than the unit with superior skills. That being said, ahead of Game 1, here are five bold predictions as both Yankees and Dodgers prepare to open the series in Los Angeles.
1. Yankees Gerrit Cole Goes Six Strong Innings
New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole will aim to set the tone for his team in Game 1. While Cole was pulled early in his last outing against Cleveland after allowing two runs in just over four innings, manager Aaron Boone’s move was precautionary, relying on a bullpen with a solid 2.56 ERA in the playoffs. Moreover, with a postseason ERA of 3.31, Cole is expected to last at least six innings, giving up around three runs.
2. Yankees Will Walk Shohei Ohtani Multiple Times
Shohei Ohtani remains one of the game’s biggest threats, and the Yankees are likely to proceed cautiously. Ohtani has been phenomenal this postseason, slashing .286/.434/.500 with three homers and ten RBIs. Moreover, he reached base a record 17 times against the Mets in the NLCS. Hence, fans must expect Boone and the Yanks to pitch around Ohtani, opting for intentional walks when runners are on base rather than risking a game-changing home run that could shift the momentum in the Dodgers’ favor.
3. Dodgers Pitchers Will Contain Aaron Judge
Although Aaron Judge has contributed with power in the postseason, hitting two home runs and tallying six RBIs, his overall performance has been inconsistent. Judge’s .161/.317/.387 postseason slash line suggests that Dodgers’ pitchers may look to attack him more aggressively. With red-hot sluggers like Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton providing protection, the Dodgers are likely to focus on limiting Judge’s opportunities. This Game 1 prediction anticipates that Judge may go hitless, potentially drawing only one walk.
4. Gleyber Torres Will Lead Off with Success
Yankees’ second baseman Gleyber Torres has had a resurgent postseason, slashing .297/.400/.432 with a home run and five RBIs. Since moving into the leadoff spot, Torres has looked more confident, and with Soto batting behind him, the Dodgers are likely to challenge him, potentially providing Torres with additional hitting opportunities. Hence, one must look for Torres to take advantage of his leadoff role and record two hits, setting the table for other power hitters.
5. Mookie Betts Will Drive in Two Runs
Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts is primed for a big Game 1 performance. In this postseason, Betts has been on fire, slashing .295/.404/.659 with four home runs and 12 RBIs. Betts typically hits behind Ohtani, who is likely to reach base multiple times, giving Betts ample opportunity to deliver with runners on. Hence, we expect Betts to drive in at least two runs, one of which could come from an extra-base hit that brings home Ohtani.
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