Game 3 of the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium shifted the entire momentum of the Fall Classic, anchored by standout individual performances that put the Los Angeles Dodgers firmly in control. When the Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 4-2 on October 28, 2024, the victory wasn't just a team effort; it was defined by early offensive punctuation and elite pitching composure under pressure.
To understand how the Dodgers seized a commanding 3-0 series lead, we have to look past the final box score and examine the specific heroes who shaped the narrative. From Freddie Freeman extending his historic home run streak to Walker Buehler neutralizing a desperate Yankees lineup, Game 3 showcased the exact traits required to win under the bright lights of October.
Freddie Freeman and the First-Inning Statement
The tone of the game was set before most fans even settled into their seats. In the top of the first inning, with Shohei Ohtani on base following a four-pitch walk, Freddie Freeman stepped up against Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt. Playing through a severe right ankle sprain that threatened his mobility, Freeman launched a two-run cutter over the fence.
This wasn't just any home run. It marked Freeman's third consecutive game with a homer to start the 2024 World Series, and his fifth straight World Series game with a home run dating back to his time with the Atlanta Braves in 2021.
- Immediate Impact: The two-run shot instantly quieted a hostile Yankee Stadium crowd that had been primed for a desperate home-team bounce-back.
- Mental Toughness: Battling visible physical limitations, Freeman's mechanics remained compact, allowing him to turn on an inside pitch with lethal precision.
- The Stat Line: Freeman finished the night as a constant offensive catalyst, setting the table while playing stellar defense at first base.
By striking early, Freeman relieved immense pressure off the Dodgers' pitching staff and forced the Yankees into a reactive posture for the rest of the evening.
Walker Buehler Masterclass on the Mound
While Freeman provided the early lightning, Walker Buehler delivered the endurance. Coming off an erratic regular season as he continued his recovery path, Buehler authored a pitching masterclass on the grandest stage, tossing five scoreless innings of two-hit ball.
Buehler walked two and struck out none, yet his performance was a clinic in soft contact and situational pitching. He navigated high-stress scenarios in the first inning—striking out Aaron Judge with runners on—and never looked back.
- First-Inning Escape: After issuing early traffic, Buehler induced crucial outs against the heart of the Yankees' order, neutralizing the energy of Judge and Juan Soto.
- Efficiency: By leaning heavily on his cutter and breaking mix, Buehler kept his pitch count manageable, allowing him to breeze through the middle frames.
- Bullpen Preservation: Delivering five clean frames allowed Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to cleanly bridge the game to his high-leverage relievers without burning the bullpen early.
You can view the official game documentation and play-by-play breakdown on Baseball-Reference.
Supporting Cast and Insurance Runs
A championship game is never won by two players alone. As the game progressed into the middle innings, secondary contributors chipped in with vital plays that expanded the Dodgers' lead and suffocated any hopes of a New York comeback.
In the sixth inning, Gavin Lux was hit by a pitch, immediately stole second base, and came home on a sharp single by Kiké Hernández. That small-ball sequence stretched the lead to 4-0, proving that manufacturing runs is just as valuable as hitting home runs in October. Hernández continued his reputation as an elite postseason performer, coming through when the strike zone tightened and pressure mounted.
Defensively, the Dodgers played flawless baseball. Outfielders tracked down deep fly balls in the October chill, and the infield turned clean double plays that erased potential big innings for New York's bats.
Where the Yankees Fell Short
Analyzing the heroes of Game 3 requires looking at why the opposing stars couldn't match them. The Yankees' offense struggled mightily with runners in scoring position, going hitless in critical spots through the middle frames.
- The Top of the Order: Aaron Judge endured another difficult night, continuing a postseason slump where he struggled to catch up to high fastballs and chase pitches out of the zone.
- Missed Opportunities: New York managed to put runners on base in the seventh and eighth innings, but lacked the timely, clutch hit needed to break through against the Dodgers' bullpen.
- Late Rally Too Late: The Yankees finally broke the shutout in the bottom of the ninth with a two-run surge, but it was far too little, too late against Los Angeles's defensive lockdown.
For more comprehensive news coverage of Major League Baseball playoffs, check out MLB.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of 2024 World Series Game 3?
The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 4-2 on October 28, 2024, at Yankee Stadium, bringing their series lead to 3-0.
How many consecutive World Series games had Freddie Freeman homered in?
Freeman homered in five consecutive World Series games, spanning his final games with the Atlanta Braves in 2021 and the first three games of the 2024 series with the Dodgers.
Who was the winning pitcher of Game 3?
Walker Buehler earned the win for the Dodgers, pitching five scoreless innings while allowing only two hits and two walks.
Did the Yankees make a comeback in the series?
No, the Dodgers completed a four-game sweep in Game 5 to win the 2024 World Series championship.
