Empire State Review Contributor 
LOS ANGELES — The New York Yankees are poised for a crucial showdown against the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight at Dodger Stadium, aiming to salvage the final game of a three-game series that has thus far highlighted the disparity between the two storied franchises. This matchup, a rematch of the 2024 World Series, has underscored the Yankees’ ongoing challenges in matching the Dodgers’ prowess.
In the series opener on Friday, the Yankees suffered an 8–5 defeat, squandering an early lead as the Dodgers mounted a comeback fueled by Shohei Ohtani’s two home runs and a pivotal four-run sixth inning. Saturday’s game further emphasized the gap, with the Dodgers delivering an 18–2 rout—the most lopsided loss the Yankees have endured against a National League opponent in franchise history. Despite entering the series with momentum from winning nine of their last ten games, the Yankees have been outscored 26–7 over the first two games, with Aaron Judge’s solo home runs accounting for all of New York’s runs in the second game.
Tonight’s game features right-hander Will Warren taking the mound for the Yankees. Warren has shown promise in May, posting a 2.70 ERA and a 1.51 FIP, though he faces a formidable Dodgers lineup that has excelled with runners in scoring position, boasting a .300 average and a .900+ OPS in such situations. The Yankees’ lineup will see changes, with DJ LeMahieu and Jasson Domínguez starting after coming off the bench in the previous game.
The Dodgers will counter with Landon Knack, who enters the game with a 5.22 ERA and has been utilized in a swingman role amid the team’s injury challenges. Despite the absence of several key pitchers due to injuries, the Dodgers have demonstrated resilience, with contributions from stars like Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts. Freeman, in particular, has been instrumental, delivering multiple home runs and RBIs throughout the series.
The Yankees’ bullpen, once a strength, has struggled to contain the Dodgers’ offense. Relievers such as Luke Weaver and Jake Cousins have been unable to stem the tide, allowing crucial runs that have widened the deficit in both games. Manager Aaron Boone faces mounting pressure to stabilize the pitching staff and reignite the offense as the team seeks to avoid a series sweep.
This series serves as a litmus test for the Yankees, highlighting areas that require improvement to compete at the highest level. The Dodgers, despite their injury woes, have showcased depth and adaptability, reinforcing their status as a premier team in Major League Baseball.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast nationally on FOX. Fans can also tune in via radio and online streaming platforms. As the Yankees aim to reclaim their footing, tonight’s game presents an opportunity to demonstrate resilience and close the gap against a formidable opponent.
