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Will the Yankees or Dodgers win the first game of the World Series?

© Brad Penner-Imagn Images
  • What: MLB World Series Game 1
  • When: October 25, 2024
  • Who:  New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
  • Time:  5:00 p.m. PST
  • Where: Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles, CA)

The Los Angeles Dodgers host the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday night at Dodger Stadium.

This will be the 11th time these two teams have faced each other in the Fall Classic. They last met in the 1981 World Series, which the Dodgers ultimately won 4-2. 

New York Yankees

The New York Yankees were the top road team in baseball, winning nearly 63 percent of their away games, which set them apart from the competition.

In Game 1, the Yankees hold a significant advantage with their ace, Gerrit Cole, the reigning AL Cy Young winner. Cole has an impressive postseason track record, and the Yankees are undefeated in his playoff starts at 3-0.

His ability to minimize runs provides a strong opportunity for the Yankees’ powerful lineup, featuring center fielder Aaron Judge, right fielder Juan Soto, and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, to perform well.

Notably, Stanton has been particularly effective lately, making him a formidable threat against Dodgers’ pitcher Jack Flaherty. Stanton has a.294 batting average with five home runs in the playoffs.

Ultimately, while the Yankees depend on their power hitters for runs, Cole’s performance is crucial to their chances of victory, making him a key player in their quest for success.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The discussion surrounding baseball’s biggest superstar takes center stage in this year’s World Series, with designated hitter Shohei Ohtani emerging as the top contender.

While he may not hit as purely as Aaron Judge, his unique ability to excel both as a pitcher and a hitter sets him apart. 

Despite his recovery from Tommy John surgery, he’s currently the best hitter in the National League, boasting an impressive 1.036 On Base Percentage. He has has a .286 batting average with three home runs. 

For the Dodgers to clinch the World Series title, Ohtani and the team must shine in Game 1, particularly as starting pitcher Jack Flaherty aims to recover from a challenging NLCS.

Flaherty’s strong regular-season stats provide hope for a positive turnaround despite his recent struggles. He has a 7.04 Earned Run Average in 15 innings pitched this postseason.

The Dodgers’ success also relies on their lineup, which includes stars like shortstop Mookie Betts and first baseman Freddie Freeman alongside Ohtani. 

However, they face depth concerns that could become critical if the top of the order falls short, placing extra pressure on the rest of their lineup.

In contrast, the Yankees are a more balanced squad with fewer vulnerabilities. While the Dodgers boast impressive strengths, they may need standout performances to achieve victory.

Ultimately, this series will determine which team emerges triumphantly and raises a new championship banner.

Yankees-Dodgers Best Bet

This will be a fantastic matchup between two heavyweight baseball teams and brands. We should see a very competitive series, but I’m picking the Yankees in the first game. 

The Yankees are sending out their best pitcher, Gerrit Cole. He’s pitched well this postseason. Cole is 1-0 with a 3.31 ERA this postseason.

The Dodgers’ pitching isn’t as strong as the Yankees’, but their hitters are a bit better. The Yankees are underdogs in this first game, but at plus-money odds, they are the best bet in this one.

Yankees at +105 is the best bet tonight.

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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.

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