The Road to the World Series: Everything You Need to Know

As the race to the World Series heats up, here are the latest updates for MLB fans eager to see their teams compete for the Championship title.

First, let’s take a look at the teams that have made it to the playoffs after a whirlwind regular season. In the American League Championship Series (ALCS), the New York Yankees are facing off against the Cleveland Guardians. Meanwhile, the New York Mets are squaring up against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series (NLCS).

All four teams are gearing up for Game 3, following two action-packed games that have already shifted predictions on who will win Game 7 and move one step closer to the World Series. The Yankees have come out strong, winning the first two games against the Guardians. With five games remaining, many fans are convinced this could be the year the Yankees take home the Championship title. The last time the Yankees won the World Series was in 2009, fifteen years ago.

On the other hand, the Guardians have faced the Yankees in the ALCS more times than any other team in MLB history. While they’ve struggled in the first two games, the Guardians had an impressive regular season, finishing with 92 wins. In the ALCS, players like Steven Kwan, who boasts a batting average of .448, and José Ramírez, who has hit two home runs, have been key contributors. Despite their efforts, the Yankees remain dominant, setting records and displaying significant advantages.

The Yankees also had a record-breaking regular season, hitting 237 home runs. Aaron Judge stood out with a .322 batting average and 58 home runs. Though he faced some criticism earlier in the postseason, Judge has turned things around, playing a pivotal role in Game 2. With October historically being a tough month for Judge, he’s risen to the challenge this year, contributing 14 home runs so far. With just two more games needed to secure their spot in the World Series, the stakes are high for this iconic team.

Over in the National League, the Mets and Dodgers are battling it out in a series currently tied 1-1. Both teams had strong regular seasons, with the Dodgers tallying 98 wins and the Mets finishing with 89. This marks the ninth meeting between the two teams this year, with the Dodgers holding a 5-3 edge in the season series. However, as Game 3 shifts back to New York, the outcome is anyone’s guess.

The Dodgers are led by standout players like Shohei Ohtani, who recorded 38 doubles and 54 home runs during the regular season, and Teoscar Hernández, who has hit four home runs and driven in 12 RBIs over the past ten games. For the Mets, Francisco Lindor made headlines with a grand slam off a 99.4 mph fastball, marking just the second grand slam in the team’s postseason history.

Tune in tonight as the Dodgers arrive in New York for Game 3 against the Mets.