A nail-biting Game 4 saw the Yankees reignite their World Series hopes with an electrifying 11-4 victory over the Dodgers, thanks to Anthony Volpe’s third-inning grand slam. The Dodgers still lead 3-1, but the Yankees are poised to keep the series alive with their ace on the mound in Game 5.
A Grand Slam Turns the Tide for Yankees
The Yankees needed a big moment, and Volpe delivered. Down 2-1 in the third inning, Volpe hammered a two-out, bases-loaded pitch from Dodgers’ Daniel Hudson over the left-field wall, sending the Yankees faithful into a frenzy. That swing changed everything.
New York hadn’t led since Game 1, and Volpe’s grand slam gave the Yankees their first lead of the series, breathing life into a team on the brink of elimination. The Dodgers’ bullpen had stifled the Yankees all postseason, but this breakthrough put them on their heels. The Yankees capitalized, stacking up runs and ending with an 11-4 score. Suddenly, the prospect of a comeback didn’t seem quite so far-fetched.
Dodgers’ Game Plan Falls Apart
For the Dodgers, this game was all about strategy. Leading 3-0 in the series, manager Dave Roberts opted to rest his top bullpen arms, intending to deploy them only if the Dodgers held a lead. That plan quickly unraveled after Volpe’s grand slam, forcing the Dodgers to turn to lesser-used pitchers. Brent Honeywell, one of the last arms in their bullpen rotation, gave up five runs in the eighth, pushing the Yankees’ lead from close to insurmountable.
It’s a luxury few teams enjoy—leading by three games and willing to sacrifice one for a shot at winning it all in Game 5. The Dodgers leaned heavily on this tactic in the National League Championship Series, and it worked then. They’re hoping the same strategy will carry them to a World Series title.
Yankees’ Offense Finally Fires on All Cylinders
The Yankees lineup showed up in full force in Game 4. Besides Volpe’s grand slam, Aaron Judge delivered an RBI single in the eighth, and Austin Wells added another homer, going 2-for-3 at the plate. Volpe’s standout night included two hits, four RBIs, and three runs scored. He also showcased impressive defensive play, proving vital to the Yankees’ newfound momentum.
With three home runs and 11 runs on only nine hits, the Yankees offense finally looked like the powerhouse that dominated the American League playoffs. Each hit seemed perfectly timed to chip away at the Dodgers, who had hoped to close out the series with ease.
- Key performers for New York included:
- Anthony Volpe: 2-for-3, 4 RBIs, 3 runs
- Aaron Judge: Eighth-inning RBI single, showcasing leadership
- Austin Wells: 2-for-3, one homer, energizing the lineup
Game 5 on the Horizon: Cole vs. Flaherty
The Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole is scheduled to take the mound in Game 5, with hopes of pushing the series back to Los Angeles. In Game 1, Cole pitched solidly but fell victim to a walk-off grand slam by Freddie Freeman. This time, he’ll face Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty in what could be a deciding battle.
For the Dodgers, the Game 5 stakes have increased dramatically. They’ll now lean on Flaherty to end the Yankees’ resurgence and avoid a return to L.A. Roberts will have his top relievers well-rested, ready to stifle the Yankees lineup. A loss would bring Game 6 back to Los Angeles, a scenario the Dodgers undoubtedly hope to avoid.
The Yankees have shown they’re more than capable of delivering in high-stakes games, and with their ace on the mound, they’re determined to keep the series alive. But with no team ever clawing back from a 3-0 deficit in the World Series, the Yankees are facing long odds.
Volpe and Wells Offer Glimmer of Hope
Volpe and Wells may be the keys to New York’s chances. Volpe’s grand slam has revived the team’s spirit, but his impact goes beyond a single hit. As a player who’s stepped up in key moments, his ability to rally both the lineup and the defense has been critical. Wells, meanwhile, has shown power and poise at the plate, further energizing a Yankees lineup that desperately needs reliable hitters.
While Judge’s leadership remains the foundation, emerging players like Volpe and Wells have injected fresh confidence into the Yankees’ postseason run. They’ll need to be just as sharp in Game 5 to combat a rested Dodgers bullpen. Can this young duo continue to surprise and help push the series back to L.A.?
The road ahead for New York is still filled with challenges, but Volpe’s grand slam has shown that the Yankees won’t go down quietly. Game 5 promises to be a showdown between two aces, as the Yankees look to claw back one game at a time.