The June 1, 2025 matchup between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium is one of the most anticipated interleague showdowns of the season, pitting two iconic franchises with elite talent and postseason aspirations against one another in the rubber match of a high-profile series that has so far been dominated by the Dodgers. Los Angeles comes in with a 35–22 record and has outscored New York convincingly in the first two games, thanks to an offense firing on all cylinders behind MVP frontrunner Shohei Ohtani, who leads all of MLB with 22 home runs and continues to be the most dangerous hitter in any lineup, as well as Freddie Freeman, whose .356 average and .620 slugging percentage offer consistent damage in the heart of the order. Teoscar Hernández and Will Smith have also chipped in timely hits, and the Dodgers’ ability to string together offense throughout the lineup has overwhelmed even strong opposing pitchers. They’ll send Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the mound for the finale, and his 6–3 record and sparkling 1.97 ERA speak volumes about his ability to shut down top-tier lineups while displaying excellent control and composure on the mound. Despite a few key injuries, the Dodgers have showcased their enviable depth and flexibility, playing crisp defense and managing matchups well under Dave Roberts’ leadership.

On the other side, the Yankees are trying to salvage the final game of the series and avoid a sweep, entering with a 35–21 record but reeling from back-to-back losses where their bats couldn’t match the Dodgers’ firepower. Aaron Judge remains a singular force in the lineup, hitting .392 with a .750 slugging percentage, and will be counted on once again to carry the offense along with veterans like Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger, who have each contributed in big moments this season. Rookie right-hander Will Warren will start for New York and has been impressive recently with a 2.05 ERA over his last four outings, showing poise and improving pitch sequencing that could be key in handling L.A.’s deep lineup, though he’ll face his toughest test yet on the road in one of baseball’s most electric environments. The Yankees’ bullpen, anchored by Mark Leiter Jr., has been a strength, and they’ll likely need multiple high-leverage outs late in the game to keep this one close. Both teams are strong defensively and well-managed, but execution with runners in scoring position and early command from the starting pitchers may ultimately determine the outcome of this heavyweight clash. With the Dodgers listed as -1.5 run line favorites and the total set at 8.5, oddsmakers expect a relatively low-scoring game, but with the level of offensive talent on display, a breakout inning from either club could swing the momentum instantly. This finale is more than just a regular-season game—it’s a statement opportunity for two clubs measuring themselves against elite competition, and both will be looking to leave Sunday with more than just a win, but with confidence and momentum heading deeper into June.