World Series G3: Dodgers-Yankees Preview, Props & Prediction

The New York Yankees came tantalizingly close to snatching home-field advantage in Game 1 of the World Series, but now they return to their home turf for Game 3 on Monday night with their backs against the wall.
Freddie Freeman's walk-off homer in Game 1 was followed by a 4-2 Dodgers victory the next night, giving Los Angeles a 2-0 series lead as they head to the Bronx.
ODDS AND TRENDS
The Yankees are favored by 1.5 runs with Clark Schmidt on the mound for Game 3. The Dodgers will counter with Walker Buehler and have received 85% of the spread-line money at BetRivers, where their -175 moneyline has also drawn 81% of the bets. The Yankees' -137 moneyline did attract a $10,000 wager at the book.
The Over/Under for total runs scored is set at 8.5. The first two games in Los Angeles averaged a combined 7.5 runs, but the Over has received 84% of the bets at BetRivers with the series moving to Yankee Stadium.
PROP PICKS
-Walker Buehler Under 14.5 Total Outs (-140 at DraftKings): Buehler has experience on the World Series stage, but has struggled in his two postseason starts this year. He will likely be pulled early, as the Dodgers' bullpen is in good shape and manager Dave Roberts will play the percentages.
-Juan Soto Over 0.5 Hits (-195 at BetRivers): This has received the most player prop bets at the book, with 2.2%. Soto has been hot at the plate, with three hits in the first two games of the series and seven hits in his last four games.
THE NEWS
The Yankees were close to leaving Dodger Stadium with a split, but the Dodgers were able to hold them off and take a 2-0 series lead.
The Dodgers are looking to win their first title in a 162-game season since 1988. They are also seeking a three games to none lead for the first time since 1963 when they swept the Yankees.
Shohei Ohtani has struggled at the plate in the series, but is expected to play in Game 3 after feeling good during the team's workout.
The Yankees are hoping for better clutch hitting after going 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position in Los Angeles. Aaron Judge has been struggling at the plate, but Giancarlo Stanton and Juan Soto have been hot for the Yankees.
PITCHING MATCHUP
Schmidt will pitch in Game 3 for the third straight time, while Buehler will take the mound for the Dodgers. Buehler has a 1-0 record and 0.69 ERA in two World Series starts.
KEY STAT
Under the current 2-3-2 format, the team winning the first two games has gone on to win the World Series 45 out of 56 times. The Yankees were the last team to overcome a 2-0 deficit in the World Series in 1986.
PREDICTION
The Yankees have a strong record at home this postseason and will look to bounce back in front of their home crowd. With Judge expected to find his rhythm and the hot bats of Soto and Stanton, the Yankees will come out on top in a close game. -- Yankees 6, Dodgers 5