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    • Walker Buehler dominates in Game 3
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    Walker Buehler dominates in Game 3

    Pabio Posted on

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    How will this year’s World Series play out? Using the Dynasty Baseball League online simulation, USA TODAY Sports’ Steve Gardner and DLB designer Mike Cieslinski will pre-play each game to provide insight into the key matchups and strategy fans can expect to see in the Fall Classic.

    With two big rounds at the start of the match, the Los Angeles Dodgers makes quick work of New York Yankeesearning a 9-5 victory in Game 3 of USA TODAY Sports’ annual Simulated World Series.

    Dodgers pounced on Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt for three quick points in the first, then knocked him out with five points in the third before taking a 2-1 series lead.

    BOX NOTE: Dodgers 9, Yankees 5

    COMPLETE PLAY BY PLAY: Dodgers strike early, often in Game 3 rout

    World Series Game 3 Simulation

    The Dodgers wasted no time hammering Yankees Game 3 starter Clarke Schmidt. Shohei Ohtani And Bets on Mookie started the game with back-to-back singles, but Schmidt looked like he might get out of the inning unscathed when Freddie Freeman anchored in a double game.

    Teoscar Hernández put LA on top with an RBI single and Max Muncy followed by a two-run homer into the short porch of Yankee Stadium in right field and the Dodgers were on their way.

    The first two Yankees also singled in the bottom of the first, but Aaron judges failed and Dodger starter Walker Bühler striped Giancarlo Stanton And Jazz Chisholm to end the threat.

    Schmidt got out of a bases-loaded jam in the second, but couldn’t survive the third as Tommy Edman doubled in two, Miguel Rojas added an RBI single and Ohtani hit a mammoth blast to right center – all with two outs – to make the score 8-0.

    The Yanks scored twice in the eighth and had a three-run home run by Gleyber Torres in the ninth, but it wasn’t enough.

    What to watch in (real) match 3

    Cold conditions: After two games in a perfect 76 degrees in Los Angeles, the series moves to New York and its 54 degrees drop by game time. Colder temperatures reduce ball distances slightly, as was the case on a deep drive by Freddie Freeman in the Dodger second and a jam shot by Juan Soto in the fifth. But then again, when you have two teams as powerful as these, they will always find a way to hit the ball out of the stadium. Only three homers this time – from Muncy, Ohtani and Torres of the Yankees.

    Which Buehler is showing up? Dodgers Game 3 starter Walker Buehler has had a rough season. He missed the first month as he completed his recovery from Tommy John surgery. But he was far from the dominant pitcher he was before blowing out his elbow. In 16 starts and 75 ⅓ innings during the regular season, Buehler posted a 5.38 ERA and 1.55 WHIP. (This is the basis of his player card in this series.)

    Facing the powerful Yankees lineup in the Sim Series, Buehler turned back the clock – even beyond what he did in his last start against the Mets in the NLCS (when he pitched four shutout innings in a 8-0 victory). The veteran right-hander scattered three hits and three walks in 6 ⅓ shutout innings and struck out seven to earn the victory. Anything close to that in the actual game and the Dodgers would be thrilled.

    Keep painkillers fresh: As the Dodgers prepare for a bullpen matchup in Game 4, it is extremely important for them to keep as many weapons fresh as possible, without jeopardizing their chances of winning Game 3. The Yankees also need to be careful not to overuse their relief pitchers with two other pitchers. Upcoming games in New York with no day off.

    Buehler did his part and more, pitching out in the seventh. However, a revival of the Yankees bats in the final two innings forced Los Angeles to expand. Daniel Hudson, Michael Kopech And Blake Treinen to get the last six outs.

    On the other hand, Marcus Stroman was huge for New York after starter Schmidt was so roughed up in the first three innings. The veteran right-hander allowed just one run on three hits over the final five frames to keep all of the Yankees’ top arms fully rested for the next two games in the Bronx.

    It will be very interesting to see when managers Aaron Boone and Dave Roberts first decide to go to their bullpen tonight, knowing those decisions will impact their options in Games 4 and 5.

    A very big break, a very bad round: The whole tenor of the match took place at the start of the third, when Schmidt seemed to be able to get out of trouble. Knowing the problems that a too-early visit to the bullpen could create, the Yankees had no one and were pitching with two outs, a runner on first and the bottom third of the Dodgers’ order.

    But Gavin Lux walked, and Edman (a .181/.256/.267 hitter against right-handed pitchers during the regular season) hit a shot down the first base line that the 35-year-old Anthony Rizzo (C+ Defensive Range Rating, 57% chance to make the play) Couldn’t hang. The ball rolled into the right field corner, scoring both runners and giving Los Angeles a 5–0 lead. As Mark Leiter Jr. quickly broke away, hitter No. 9 Rojas plated Edman with an RBI single. Leiter wasn’t quite ready as a tired Schmidt stayed to face Ohtani. One pitch later, Ohtani scored to make it 8-0.

    Previous Sim Series 2024 Results

    Game 1: Dodgers 13, Yankees 9

    Game 2: Yankees 7, Dodgers 4

    Simulate your own World Series. Get a FREE one-month subscription to Dynasty League Baseball Online by visiting DynastyLeagueBaseball.comby selecting the monthly option and entering code USA2 at checkout.

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