Aaron Judge
Fans watch as New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge comes to bat during the third inning of the team’s baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger

After clinching American League Championship Series, the New York Yankees kind of expected a smoother ride in the World Series against Los Angeles Dodgers, a team grappling with injures. However, the injured men overpowered a full healthy Yankee squad to take 2-0 lead in the seven-game series.

Having said that, now that the 2024 World Series caravan has shifted to the Yankee Stadium, the New York Yankees can breathe a sigh of relief. Home advantage is underrated and leaves a massive impact on the team’s confidence. Hence, ahead of Game 3, the players made a heartfelt plea to the passionate fanbase.

   

Yankees Urge Fans To Turn Up For Crucial Game 3

Yankees, Anthony Rizzo
Robert Sabo for NY Post

The New York Yankees are back in the Bronx, hoping for a rally as they face a daunting 2-0 World Series deficit against the Los Angeles Dodgers. With losses in the first two games, they’re calling on the energy of Yankee Stadium and their fans to help shift the series momentum. The Dodgers have proven resilient, with a thrilling walk-off grand slam from Freddie Freeman in Game 1 and more heroics to follow, keeping the Yanks at bay. Now, back on home turf, the Bombers are counting on the legendary Bronx atmosphere to energize them for a much-needed win. “We need our fans more than ever right now. They back us, they pump us up, they put pressure on other teams,” Rizzo said.

Meanwhile, captain Aaron Judge, whose playoff performance has lagged, will be looking to turn things around at home. After struggling with six strikeouts in nine at-bats, the captain knows he needs to step up. Besides, Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton, who have delivered some offensive sparks, also feel the urgency. Stanton acknowledged that the series could easily be 2-0 in the Yankees’ favor if just a few key plays had gone differently. Soto, meanwhile, is counting on the crowd to give the team an edge. “When [the fans] bring the energy, they’re going to get the team going,” he said. Lastly, Clarke Schmidt, who starts Game 3, is ready for the “added adrenaline” of pitching at Yankee Stadium. Overall, for the Yanks, it’s all on the line now, and they’ll need every ounce of their home-field advantage to keep their championship hopes alive.

Aaron Judge-Juan Soto Lineup Shake Up On The Cards

Yankees, Aaron Judge, Juan Soto
X.com

The New York Yankees’ World Series campaign hinges on the performance of their captain, Aaron Judge, who has struggled in the first two games against the Dodgers. With Juan Soto thriving, manager Aaron Boone faces a tough decision: should he adjust the lineup to give Judge a shot at regaining his rhythm?

Placing Aaron Judge behind Juan Soto could provide critical support without the stigma of a demotion. Moreover, moving Judge back to the two-hole, where he feels comfortable, could relieve some pressure, allowing him to see better pitches and make impactful contact. Meanwhile, Soto’s presence in the three-hole could deter opposing teams from walking him, knowing the threat Judge poses.

Stay tuned with Sports News International for more such updates about your favorite MLB team