New York Yankees (94-68) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (98-64)
We focus on severe games as Friday would see the New York Yankees, who have a 94-68 record, take on the Los Angeles Dodgers, who finished with a record of 98-64, in Game 1 of the World Series. Baseball fans are making their way to Dodger Stadium as it is the baseball capital of the world. Since it is the World Series, fans and bettors are keen on trying to figure out the MLB World Series free picks, which proves this will be an intense and dramatic series with a lot at stake in every game possible.
Bearing that they recorded 94 wins against 68 losses during the regular season, the Yankees enter this series with a lot of confidence having finished the regular season on a high. This is a squad that has provided plenty of offensive firepower along the way thanks to its .248 batting average, 233 home runs, and wonderful .333 on-base percentage. But it is not just about pounding away at the plate for the team as their staff has an excellent ERA of 3.74 and WHIP of 1.24.
In contrast, the regular season witnessed the Los Angeles Dodgers being on top of the table and they ended it with a record of 98 wins and 64 losses. Offensively, the Dodgers have performed similarly to their competitors with a .258 batting average and an on-base percentage of .335 while they have marginally taken the lead with a .446 slugging percentage. Their pitching on the other hand is slightly inferior than the Yankees’, with the Dodgers sporting a 39.0 ERA.
New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Game Info
| When: | Friday, October 25, 2024, at 8:08 PM ET |
| Where: | Dodger Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Gerrit Cole (8-5, 3.41 ERA) vs. Jack Flaherty (6-2, 3.58 ERA)
Gerrit Cole, the New York Yankees pitcher, goes into the World Series with an 8-5 record and an ERA of 3.41 with 99 strikeouts over 95 innings pitched. With his 1.13 WHIP and the fact that he holds opponents to a .233 batting average, speaks of his control and accuracy on the mound. Cole has a wealth of postseason experience and has the ability to strike out key hitters in crucial situations which will be crucial for the Yankees. On the other side, his weakness to give home runs may come back to haunt him as he has given 11 this season and will be up against a strong Dodgers batting contingent that is power-hitting oriented.
The Dodgers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty comes into this series with a 6-2 record and an ERA of 3.58. Although his WHIP sits above average at 1.28, he has been effective striking batters out with 61K’s across 55.1innings. He has particularly done well at Dodger Stadium which might enable him to navigate the power batting of the New York Yankees. However, together with Cole, he may share a weakness of giving away walks and home runs that will have to be managed in order not to concede easy runs.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Los Angeles Dodgers -130, Total Odds: 8.5
The betting odds favor the Dodgers slightly with a moneyline of -130, reflecting their home advantage and consistent season performance. The total over/under set at 8.5 runs suggests a game leaning towards moderate scoring, aligning with both teams’ potent offenses and solid pitching. Bettors might find value in considering the Yankees at +110, given their strong offensive capabilities and postseason momentum.
New York Yankees Betting Trends
The Yankees have demonstrated formidable strength, going 6-1 straight up in their last 7 games, and their road performance has been even more impressive with a 7-1 record in recent outings. Their ability to perform under pressure is further evidenced by their 5-2 record when playing against the Dodgers in Los Angeles. These trends indicate a team that not only rises to the occasion but also adapts and overcomes the challenges of away games.
Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Trends
The Dodgers, meanwhile, have been almost unbeatable at home, with a record of 6-1 over in their last 7 games at Dodger Stadium. However, their 2-5 home record against the Yankees might raise concerns about their ability to handle the specific challenges posed by their rivals. Still, their overall 12-4 record in recent games showcases a team with depth and the strategic acumen to exploit their home-field advantage.
New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Dodgers 10/25/24 Betting Picks
Given the analysis and recent trends, this game promises to be a tightly contested battle. The Yankees, with their impressive road record and postseason experience, could very well upset the odds. However, the Dodgers’ strong home performance and slight pitching edge with Flaherty’s familiarity with Dodger Stadium could tip the scales in their favor.
For bettors, the smart money might be on taking the Dodgers to win at home with a tight scoreline, possibly making use of the under if the pitchers perform to their capabilities. Prop bets on individual performances, particularly strikeouts and home runs, could also offer value given the profiles of the starting pitchers and the offensive strengths of both teams. Ultimately, this World Series opener is set to be a thrilling encounter, perfect for the best live betting opportunities.
Free Pick and Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers 4, New York Yankees 3
