Game 1 of the 2024 World Series: Yankees vs. Dodgers Preview
The stage is set for an electrifying start to the 2024 World Series as the New York Yankees take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 at Chavez Ravine. Scheduled for Friday night, October 25, at 5:08 PM PT/8:08 PM ET, this matchup features two of baseball’s most storied franchises, each with a rich history and a passionate fan base.
Pitching Matchup: Gerrit Cole vs. Jack Flaherty
On the mound for the Yankees is their ace, Gerrit Cole, who has been a cornerstone of the team’s pitching staff. Despite his impressive pedigree, Cole has faced challenges this postseason. His regular season numbers were solid, with a 3.41 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP, but his playoff performance has left something to be desired. In three postseason starts, he has a 3.31 ERA, but his WHIP has ballooned to 1.53, indicating he has been allowing more base runners than usual. With only 12 strikeouts in 16.1 innings, Cole’s dominance has been muted, and his xFIP of 5.39 suggests he may be due for a rough outing.
Opposing him is Jack Flaherty of the Dodgers, who has also struggled in the postseason. With a dismal 7.04 ERA and a 5.86 xFIP over 15.1 innings, Flaherty’s performance has been a concern for Los Angeles. His strikeout rate has plummeted to 11.9%, a stark contrast to his regular season mark of 29.9%. Adding to his woes, Flaherty has faced the Yankees before, and the results have not been favorable. In 54 at-bats against him, Yankee hitters boast a .304 average and a .944 OPS, with Anthony Rizzo notably hitting all three of his home runs against Flaherty.
Dodgers’ Offensive Firepower
One of the key factors in this matchup is the Dodgers’ lineup, which has been on fire during the National League Championship Series (NLCS). Over their last four games, they have averaged an impressive 7.6 runs per game, showcasing a balanced attack that features stars like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts at the top of the order, along with power hitters like Max Muncy and Kike Hernandez further down. This offensive depth could pose significant challenges for Cole, especially if he continues to struggle with command.
While the Yankees have their own offensive threats, including Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, the Dodgers’ recent form gives them a slight edge heading into Game 1. The four-day layoff since the NLCS could disrupt their rhythm, but if they can maintain their momentum, they will be a formidable opponent.
Betting Odds and Predictions
As the World Series kicks off, the betting odds reflect the tight nature of this matchup. The Dodgers are currently favored with a moneyline of -125 at BetMGM, while the Yankees sit at +110. This slight favoritism towards Los Angeles is indicative of their recent offensive success and the struggles of both starting pitchers.
For those looking at the run total, sportsbooks have set the over/under at 8.5 runs, with the public leaning heavily towards the over. Given the Dodgers’ recent scoring spree and the Yankees’ ability to put runs on the board, this could be a high-scoring affair.
Public Betting Trends
The public betting splits show a clear preference for the Dodgers in Game 1. With 76% of the moneyline handle and 88% of the runline handle backing Los Angeles, it’s evident that bettors are confident in the Dodgers’ ability to secure a win by multiple runs. The over is also a popular choice, with 74% of the handle favoring the over 8.5 runs, reflecting the expectation of a high-scoring game.
Conclusion
As the Yankees and Dodgers prepare to clash in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series, all eyes will be on the pitching duel between Gerrit Cole and Jack Flaherty. With both teams boasting potent lineups and a history of postseason drama, this matchup promises to deliver excitement and intrigue. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the anticipation for this game is palpable, setting the stage for what could be a memorable World Series.