2024 Simulated World Series: Dodgers big bats buoy Buehler in Game 3 rout

How will this year's World Series play out? Using the Dynasty League Baseball online simulation, USA TODAY Sports' Steve Gardner and DLB designer Mike Cieslinski will pre-play each game to provide some insight into the key matchups and strategy fans can expect to see in the Fall Classic.

With a pair of big innings early, the Los Angeles Dodgers made quick work of the New York Yankees, rolling to a 9-5 victory in Game 3 of USA TODAY Sports' annual Simulated World Series.

The Dodgers jumped on Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt for three quick runs in the first, then knocked him out with a five-spot in the third on their way to taking a 2-1 lead in the series.

BOX SCORE:  Yankees 9, Dodgers 5

FULL PLAY-BY-PLAY:  Dodgers strike early, often in Game 3 rout

World Series Game 3 simulation

The Dodgers wasted no time in hammering Yankees Game 3 starter Clarke Schmidt. Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts began the game with consecutive singles, but Schmidt looked like he might be able to get out of the inning unscathed when Freddie Freeman grounded into a double play.

Teoscar Hernandez put L.A. on top though with an RBI single and Max Muncy followed with a two-run homer into Yankee Stadium's short porch in right field and the Dodgers were on their way.

The first two Yankees also singled in the bottom of the first, but Aaron Judge grounded out and Dodger starter Walker Buehler struck out Giancarlo Stanton and Jazz Chisholm to end the threat.

Schmidt worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the second, but couldn't survive the third as Tommy Edman doubled in two, Miguel Rojas added an RBI single and Ohtani hit a mammoth blast to right center – all with two outs – to make it 8-0.

The Yanks did score twice in the eighth and got a three-run homer from Gleyber Torres in the ninth, but it wasn't enough.

What to watch in (the real) Game 3

Chilly conditions: After a pair of games in perfect 76-degree weather in Los Angeles, the series moves to New York and its fall-like 54 degrees at game time. The colder temperatures do cut down slightly on fly ball distances, as it did on a deep drive by Freddie Freeman in the Dodger second and a jam shot by Juan Soto in the fifth. But then again, when you have two teams as powerful as these, they'll still find a way to hit the ball out of the ballpark. Only three homers this time though – from Muncy, Ohtani and the Yankees' Torres.

Which Buehler shows up? Dodgers Game 3 starter Walker Buehler has endured a difficult season. He missed the first month as he completed his recovery from Tommy John surgery. But he was nowhere near the dominant pitcher he was before he blew out his elbow. In 16 starts and 75 ⅓ regular-season innings, Buehler posted a 5.38 ERA and 1.55 WHIP. (That's that basis for his player card in this series.)

Facing the potent Yankees lineup in the Sim Series, Buehler turned back the clock – even beyond what he did in his last start against the Mets in the NLCS (when he tossed four shutout innings in an 8-0 victory). The veteran righty scattered three hits and three walks over 6 ⅓ shutout innings and struck out seven to get the win. Anything close to that in the real game and the Dodgers would be elated.

Keep relievers fresh: With the Dodgers set up for a bullpen game in Game 4, it's hugely important for them to preserve as many fresh arms as possible, without jeopardizing their chances to win Game 3. The Yankees also have to guard against overusing their relief pitchers with two more games to come in New York without a day off.

Buehler did his part and then some, pitching into the seventh. However, an awakening of the Yankees bats in the final two innings forced L.A. to deploy Daniel Hudson, Michael Kopech and Blake Treinen to get the final six outs.

On the flip side, Marcus Stroman came up huge for New York after starter Schmidt was roughed up so badly in the first three innings. The veteran right-hander allowed just one run on three hits over the final five frames to keep all the Yankees' top bullpen arms fully rested for the next two games in the Bronx.

It will be very interesting to see when managers Aaron Boone and Dave Roberts first decide to go to their bullpens tonight, knowing those decisions will impact their options in Games 4 and 5.

One really big break, one really bad inning: The entire tenor of the game turned in the top of the third, when Schmidt looked like he might be able to wiggle out of trouble. Knowing the problems that going to the bullpen too early could create, the Yankees didn't have anyone up and throwing with two outs, a runner on first and the bottom third of the Dodgers order up.

But Gavin Lux walked, and Edman (a .181/.256/.267 hitter vs. right-handed pitchers during the regular season) hit a shot down the first base line that 35-year-old Anthony Rizzo (C+ defensive range rating, 57% chance of making the play) couldn't snag. The ball rolled into the right field corner, scoring both runners and putting L.A. up 5-0. As Mark Leiter Jr. quickly got loose, No. 9 hitter Rojas plated Edman with an RBI single. Leiter wasn't quite ready as a tiring Schmidt remained in to face Ohtani. One pitch later, Ohtani homered to make it 8-0.

Previous 2024 Sim Series results

Game 1: Dodgers 13, Yankees 9

Game 2: Yankees 7, Dodgers 4

Simulate your own World Series. Get a FREE one-month subscription to Dynasty League Baseball online by going to DynastyLeagueBaseball.com, selecting the monthly option and entering code USA2 at checkout.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Simulated World Series predictions: Walker Buehler dominates in Game 3