The Dodgers bullpen takes on Yankees starter Luis Gil as Los Angeles plays the first of four match points in game four of the 2024 World Series. Note that there is a difference in strength between the Dodgers starters and the Dodgers relievers in the 2024 post season. The starters are good at keeping batters off base, with a .218/.300/.393 opposition slash line. The Dodgers relievers are good at preventing power, with a .235/.324/.354 opposition slash line. Eighteen of 46 against the starters went for extra bases, while just 15 of 61 hits against the bullpen were of the long variety. The bullpen saw a lot of work, with 299 batters faced to 237 for the starters.

Gil made just one start in the last month, lasting four innings against the Guardians on 10/18/2024. He walked three and struck out three in that game. Note that during the regular season, he averaged 10.1 K per 9 IP. This has been the problem for the Yankees pitchers in the World Series, as they are unable to rack up high K totals against the Dodgers. This put pressure on the Yankees defense, which led to a number of poor plays. It’s very similar to how the Angels won the 2002 ALDS. The Yankees pitchers struck out 18 batters in 34 innings in that series, 4.8 per 9 IP. During the regular season, they averaged 7.0 K per nine. The Angels put the ball in play against a poor defense and took that series 3-1.