NEW YORK -- Told he had tied a World Series record by homering in five straight games, Freddie Freeman grinned.
"Let's hopefully make it six," he said.
Freeman put the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead 15 pitches into the game with a two-run homer off Clarke Schmidt, and L.A. beat the New York Yankees 4-2 on Monday night to take a 3-0 World Series lead.
Freeman homered in the Atlanta Braves' last two games against Houston in the 2021 World Series, and he has connected in all three games of this one. He became the third player to homer in the first three games of a World Series after Hank Bauer in 1958 and Barry Bonds in 2002.
Freeman sprained his right ankle on Sept. 26 against San Diego while trying to avoid a tag at first base by the Padres' Luis Arráez and missed the Dodgers' last three regular-season games. He didn't have any RBIs in the National League Division Series against San Diego and posted one in the NL Championship Series against the New York Mets.
Freeman didn't play in the NLCS finale and had six days off entering the World Series, allowing time for the ankle to get better.
"We went to Freddie several times and said, 'Hey, we got you the last two series,'" Dodgers teammate Max Muncy said. "This is Freddie telling us, 'Hey, I got you this time.'"
Shohei Ohtani, playing two days after partially separating his left shoulder, walked on four pitches leading off. After Mookie Betts flied out, Freeman drove a high cutter with a 1-2 count about five rows deep into the lower deck in right field.
An eight-time All-Star and the 2020 NL MVP, the 35-year-old Freeman has three homers and seven RBIs in the Series.
His game-ending, 10th-inning grand slam in Game 1 on Friday night, which gave the Dodgers a 6-3 win, was his first home run since Sept. 16. He followed Teoscar Hernández for back-to-back homers in the third inning of Game 2.
"Not surprised he's performing at this level," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "He's been very good in the postseason throughout his career."
Freeman fouled Tim Hill's pitch off his right ankle in the seventh inning.
"That wasn't ideal," Freeman said. "I'm OK. It's just a contusion."
Freeman is hitting .333 in the Series. He is one win from adding a second World Series title after the one he earned with Atlanta in 2021.
"I really just want to hoist that trophy," he said. "I don't care how that happens. I don't care if I go 0-for-the-next-70 with 70 strikeouts. As long as we win, that's all I care about."
Freddie Freeman's Historic Run
Freeman's streak of six consecutive World Series home runs is a testament to his unwavering consistency and ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations. His performance in this year's World Series has been nothing short of extraordinary, and he has become a major factor in the Dodgers' dominance.
Freddie Freeman's Impact On The Dodgers
Freeman's presence in the Dodgers' lineup has been invaluable. His ability to hit for both power and average has provided a much-needed spark for a team that has been known for its offensive firepower in recent years. His leadership and veteran presence have also been a valuable asset to a team that is aiming for its eighth championship in franchise history.
The Road Ahead
The Dodgers are on the verge of sweeping the Yankees and securing their first World Series title since 2020. If they can manage to win Game 4, they will become the first team to sweep a World Series since the San Francisco Giants did so in 2012. The team and its fans are hopeful that they can continue their dominant run and bring the trophy back to Los Angeles.
