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**World Series 2024 Predictions: Yankees vs. Dodgers in a Heavyweight Showdown** As the stage is set for a thrilling clash between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees, baseball fans are gearing up for an epic showdown. With stars like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge in the spotlight, the anticipation is palpable. The Yankees, often dubbed the "Evil Empire," may find themselves as slight underdogs with a 48% chance of winning according to bookmakers. However, the question remains: can fans truly root for a team that has already claimed 27 World Series titles? With a larger payroll backing them, the Yankees have the resources to make a strong push for another championship. On the other side, the Dodgers boast a roster filled with talent, including the electrifying Shohei Ohtani, who has captured the hearts of baseball enthusiasts everywhere. The allure of rooting for a team with fresh energy and a dynamic player like Ohtani is hard to resist. As the two storied franchises prepare to battle it out, the debate rages on: will you support the Yankees and their rich history, or rally behind the Dodgers and their exciting roster? The World Series promises to be a captivating spectacle, showcasing the best of what baseball has to offer.

Jack Leach once felt like a 'fraud' in the Bazball era, but he has rediscovered his form with the England cricket team. Ahead of the series decider in Pakistan, Leach shared how a phone call from Ben Stokes played a crucial role in his resurgence. Earlier this summer, Leach found himself sidelined from the Test squad and questioning his enjoyment of the game. His previous year had been marred by a stress fracture in his back, followed by a knee injury that delayed his return to first-team cricket. Just as he was getting back into the swing of things, he received a call from Brendon McCullum informing him that he would not be included in England’s next Test squad. “After a long time out with injury,” Leach reflected, “I thought that might be the end for me.” However, he has since made a comeback and returned to Rawalpindi, a venue where he achieved what he considers “probably my favourite wicket” during the first Test of the 2022 series against Pakistan. As the team prepares for Thursday’s series decider, the ground staff are working hard to prepare a pitch that they hope will favor their spinners, while also potentially benefiting the opposition.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face the New York Yankees in the World Series after defeating the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series. The Dodgers secured their spot with a decisive 10-5 victory in Game 6 on Sunday night, clinching the best-of-seven series 4-2. In the game, Tommy Edman and Will Smith both hit home runs, contributing to the Dodgers' impressive performance. This victory marks the Dodgers' 25th National League pennant, a record for the franchise, and their first won at home since 1988, when they triumphed over the Mets in a thrilling seven-game series. With this win, the Dodgers advance to their 22nd World Series, their 13th since relocating to Los Angeles. This will be their first appearance in the championship series since 2020, when they claimed the title against the Tampa Bay Rays during the pandemic-affected season.

**Soto's Late Heroics Propel Yankees to First World Series Since 2009** In a thrilling Game 5 of the AL Championship Series, the New York Yankees triumphed over the Cleveland Guardians with a score of 5-2 in 10 innings, securing their first American League pennant since the 2009 season. This victory marks the Yankees' return to the World Series for the 41st time in franchise history and their first appearance in 15 years. The decisive moment came when Juan Soto launched a three-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning, sealing the win for New York. With this victory, baseball's most storied franchise is set to return to the spotlight of October baseball.

**Yankees One Win Away from World Series After Game 4 Victory Over Cleveland** The New York Yankees are on the brink of returning to the World Series after securing an 8-6 victory against the Cleveland Guardians in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series. With this win, the Yankees now hold a 3-1 lead in the series. In a dramatic ninth inning, Cleveland's All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase struggled, allowing two runs that ultimately sealed the game for New York. Gleyber Torres contributed with a crucial RBI single, and the Yankees capitalized on an error by shortstop Brayan Rocchio, who mishandled a ground ball from Alex Verdugo, leading to the go-ahead run. With just one more win needed, the Yankees are poised to claim their first American League pennant since 2009.

The 20-minute red card will be introduced as a trial during the upcoming Autumn Nations Series, marking its debut in the northern hemisphere. This decision comes despite opposition from Ireland and France regarding the permanent implementation of the rule, which is aimed at enhancing player safety. Six Nations Rugby, the governing body for the 21 matches scheduled in the Autumn Nations Series, has confirmed that the new law will be tested throughout November. This includes England's four matches against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Japan. While some Premiership coaches advocate for the change to keep players on the field, the debate continues over the potential impact on player welfare and the game itself.

Pakistan's spinners delivered a stunning performance, leading the team to a 152-run victory over England in the second Test, marking their first win in seven matches. The match concluded with Pakistan scoring 366 and 221, while England managed 291 and 144. On a humid Friday morning, England's hopes of a successful run chase quickly faded as they lost wickets at an alarming rate. With 261 runs still needed and both openers already back in the pavilion, the situation became increasingly dire. Noman Ali was the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming eight wickets in the second innings, including seven on a chaotic final morning. England's batting collapse saw them bowled out for just 144 runs, sealing their defeat and allowing Pakistan to avoid a series whitewash. This victory not only marked Pakistan's first home Test win in over three years but also set the stage for a decisive third Test in Rawalpindi next week.

**Borthwick Faces Uncertainty Amid Coaching Changes** Steve Borthwick finds himself grappling with lingering uncertainty following recent coaching departures, as he attempts to solidify his backroom team. On what was an unusually warm mid-October day at the stadium formerly known as Twickenham, the atmosphere was surprisingly subdued. A sleepy fox was spotted resting on the porch of a temporary building in the north car park, adding to the day's low-key vibe. Inside, England Rugby announced a squad that many had anticipated, seemingly as if Borthwick was intentionally stepping back to allow Thomas Tuchel to take center stage. When asked about offering any advice to the incoming German coach, Borthwick graciously declined, noting that Tuchel already possesses considerable experience in English sports. He did, however, reference the well-known statistic that international teams with homegrown coaches tend to perform better in major tournaments. As the landscape of English sports shifts, Borthwick stands out as the last remaining homegrown head coach across men's cricket, football, and rugby union. This unique position adds to the pressure he faces as he navigates the complexities of his role and the future of the England team.

Steve Borthwick, the head coach of England, is currently assessing the fitness of several key players as he prepares to announce a 36-man squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series next month. Unfortunately, first-choice scrum-half Alex Mitchell is expected to be sidelined for several more weeks. Additionally, Fraser Dingwall, Mitchell's teammate at Northampton, has aggravated a knee injury during training with the England squad and will also be unavailable for his club's match against Sale on Friday night. On a more positive note, there is encouraging news regarding Tom Curry and George Ford from Sale, suggesting they may be fit for selection. Borthwick and his team are eagerly awaiting updates on these players as they finalize their preparations for the series.

In a heated NL Division Series matchup, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his concern over an incident involving San Diego Padres star Manny Machado. During Sunday’s game, Machado threw a ball into the Dodgers' dugout, which Roberts described as “unsettling,” suggesting it appeared to be aimed directly at him. The game, which ended with the Padres dominating the Dodgers 10-2 and leveling the series at 1-1, was marked by several confrontations. Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty and Machado exchanged heated words, escalating tensions on the field. The Padres showcased their power with six home runs, including two from Fernando Tatis Jr., who had previously been hit by a pitch from Flaherty, further fueling Machado's anger. Flaherty also taunted Machado after striking him out with two runners on base in the sixth inning. As the series heads into Game 3, the atmosphere remains charged, with both teams eager to gain the upper hand.