The New York Yankees staved off elimination in dramatic fashion, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 in Game 4 of the World Series. The victory was sparked by a go-ahead grand slam from rookie Anthony Volpe, breathing new life into a team on the brink. While the Dodgers still hold a commanding 3-1 series lead, the Yankees have shifted the momentum and now turn to their ace to keep their comeback hopes alive.
A Grand Slam Changes Everything
The Yankees were in desperate need of a spark, and Anthony Volpe delivered the biggest hit of his young career. In the bottom of the third inning with his team trailing 2-1, Volpe stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs. He launched a pitch from Daniel Hudson deep into the left-field seats for a grand slam.
That single swing gave the Yankees their first lead of the entire World Series. The stadium erupted, and the mood of the series instantly changed. The Dodgers’ bullpen, which had been dominant, was suddenly vulnerable, and the Yankees’ offense finally broke through the wall that had stifled them for three games.
Dodgers’ Calculated Gamble Fails to Pay Off
Entering Game 4 with a 3-0 series lead, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made a strategic decision to rest his top bullpen arms. The plan was to save them for a potential series-clinching situation in Game 5. However, that strategy unraveled the moment Volpe’s grand slam put the Yankees ahead.
Forced to turn to their depth pitchers, the Dodgers could not contain the resurgent Yankees lineup. The game was blown wide open in the eighth inning when reliever Brent Honeywell surrendered five runs, turning a competitive game into a blowout. While resting pitchers is a luxury of a 3-0 lead, it proved to be a costly miscalculation in Game 4.
Yankees Lineup Finally Wakes Up
It was a total team effort for the Yankees’ offense, which had been quiet for much of the series. Beyond Volpe’s heroics, other key players stepped up to ensure the victory and build an insurmountable lead. The team’s offensive output showed the power that carried them through the American League playoffs.
Key contributions came from across the lineup:
- Anthony Volpe: Finished the night 2-for-3 with the grand slam, four RBIs, and three runs scored.
- Austin Wells: Added another home run and went 2-for-3, providing a major spark from the bottom of the order.
- Aaron Judge: The team captain delivered a crucial RBI single in the eighth inning, helping to break the game open.
This offensive outburst, featuring three home runs and 11 runs scored, was exactly what New York needed to regain its confidence.
A High-Stakes Pitching Duel Looms in Game 5
With the series extended, all attention now shifts to a critical Game 5. The Yankees will send their ace, Gerrit Cole, to the mound in a bid to send the series back to Los Angeles. Cole is seeking redemption after a solid but losing effort in Game 1.
The Dodgers will counter with starter Jack Flaherty, who is tasked with stopping the Yankees’ momentum and clinching the World Series title.
| Pitcher | Team | Game 5 Role |
|---|---|---|
| Gerrit Cole | New York Yankees | Keep the series alive |
| Jack Flaherty | Los Angeles Dodgers | Clinch the World Series |
The pressure has now mounted significantly on the Dodgers. A loss in Game 5 would mean a return trip to Los Angeles for Game 6, a scenario they desperately want to avoid. While history is against the Yankees, as no team has ever overcome a 3-0 World Series deficit, their Game 4 performance has shown they will not go down without a fight.
