NEW YORK — It has been 15 years since Shane Victorino hit a grounder to second baseman Robinson Cano, sparking a celebration from the Yankees’ dugout for their 27^th championship at Yankee Stadium.

This victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 6 of the 2009 World Series marked the last time the Fall Classic was held in the Bronx, a streak that will end on Monday night.

This time, however, the scenario is different as the Yankees face a challenging start in this World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, trailing 2-0.

“We need to win, that’s the key,” first baseman Anthony Rizzo states.

The Yankees return home not with a celebration in mind, but a sense of urgency after two discouraging losses in Los Angeles. Despite their efforts, which included a dramatic Game 1 loss that featured a walk-off grand slam by Freddie Freeman, they come back facing a steep challenge.

Now, the Yankees hope the support of their fans will play a crucial role.

“Our fans are vital to us right now,” Rizzo emphasizes. “When they energize us, it helps put pressure on the opposing team. The atmosphere in the Bronx is unique. We thrive when the stadium is alive.”

“We’re counting on every bit of their energy for Monday’s game.”

The roar of the home crowd could provide a lift to Aaron Judge, who has struggled with six strikeouts in just nine at-bats, leaving a notable gap in the Yankees lineup, making them feel like they’re missing an MVP when facing a Dodgers team with three players of that caliber.

“The fans amplify our energy. When they’re fully engaged, it really boosts the team’s spirit,” comments slugger Juan Soto, who briefly tied the game with a home run in Game 2 before the Dodgers took control for a 4-2 win.

“Playing against a hostile crowd of 40,000 isn’t easy. Every team aims for a top seed so they can start the playoffs at home.”

With Games 3, 4, and 5 in the Bronx, this is the Yankees’ chance to turn the series around. Gerrit Cole gave them a strong performance in Game 1, pitching into the seventh inning, but an unearned run and Freeman’s late heroics ended in a loss.

Now, the focus shifts to Schmidt, who had an impressive start to this season before a shoulder strain sidelined him for three months, making his comeback just in time for September. He has since proven effective, averaging 14 outs and allowing two runs in his playoff appearances.

Starting in the World Series at home is a significant challenge without doubt.

“This is a great opportunity to gain momentum. You can feel the energy from the fans—it definitely amps up your adrenaline,” says Schmidt.

“Every game feels like a must-win to me, regardless of the situation. Being down 2-0 doesn’t change our mindset; we approach each game with the same determination.”

The Yankees must find a way to turn things around.

It’s less about their approach and more about their success. They have 14 hits compared to the Dodgers’ 15, have stayed close in both games, and managed to chase Dodgers closer Blake Treinen out of the game in Game 2. As the series progresses, familiarity with the opposing bullpen will be an advantage.

Perhaps the energy from 47,000 enthusiastic fans can spark a change.

“This series could really be in our favor,” reflects slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who contributed a two-run homer in Game 1 and an RBI single in a rally that ultimately fell short in Game 2. “That’s the nature of a competitive matchup; anything can happen.”

“They’ll bring the excitement, and they understand the stakes involved.”