In a thrilling display of resilience, the New York Yankees avoided a World Series sweep against the Los Angeles Dodgers, emerging victorious with an 11-4 win on Tuesday night. The decisive moment came in the third inning when rookie Anthony Volpe hit a grand slam, overcoming a historic home run by Freddie Freeman.
Freeman, who has been a key player for the Dodgers throughout the series, set a record by homering for the sixth consecutive game in the World Series. He opened the scoring with a two-run homer in the first inning, sending a shot over the right-field short porch that electrified the crowd at Yankee Stadium.
However, the Yankees quickly responded, showcasing their offensive might. After trailing 2-0, New York surged ahead in the second inning when Alex Verdugo’s grounder brought in a run. Volpe then launched his grand slam off Dodgers pitcher Daniel Hudson, crushing a first-pitch slider into the left-field seats and turning the tide in favor of the Yankees.
“I was hustling. I didn’t know I got it,” Volpe said of his monumental hit. “And then I blacked out.”
The grand slam marked a significant moment not only for Volpe but also for the Yankees, who had struggled offensively in the first three games of the series, scoring only seven runs. Volpe, who also walked and stole two bases in the game, played a pivotal role in New York’s comeback, showcasing his skills and determination.
“Amazing. Volpe did it all tonight,” commented Yankees infielder Gleyber Torres, reflecting on his teammate’s performance.
The Yankees continued to build on their momentum, with Austin Wells and Torres each contributing home runs. Wells launched a second-deck homer in the sixth, while Torres delivered a three-run shot off reliever Brent Honeywell in the eighth, sealing the Dodgers’ fate. New York’s five-run eighth inning highlighted their offensive resurgence, giving them the cushion they needed to secure the win.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who watched the game from the stands due to a touchline ban, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance. “Good night for us, and we get another opportunity tomorrow,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the victory.
Despite the Yankees’ offensive explosion, the Dodgers kept the pressure on. They closed the gap to 6-4 in the fifth inning, thanks to Will Smith’s homer and another RBI from Freeman, who managed to evade a double play with a sprained right ankle. Freeman’s resilience demonstrated his value to the team, as he continues to make significant contributions despite his injury.
As the game progressed, the Yankees’ bullpen proved effective, with Clay Holmes earning the win after five innings of one-hit relief, striking out seven batters. This marked a crucial turnaround for New York, which was desperate to avoid being swept in the World Series for the first time since 1976.
With the victory, the Yankees prevented what would have been their first losing World Series sweep since their defeat in 1976. They now have a chance to extend the series to a decisive Game 5, scheduled for Wednesday night.
In that pivotal matchup, Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is set to face Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty, in a rematch of Game 1. Torres expressed confidence in Cole, stating, “Gerrit’s the best pitcher in the game. We really believe in him. But we have to do the job like we did tonight so we don’t have to put all the pressure on him.”
The Yankees’ win also marks a halt to a seven-game losing streak against the Dodgers in World Series play, dating back to 1981. Notably, their first seven RBIs came from the bottom three hitters in the lineup—Volpe, Wells, and Verdugo—who had struggled throughout the series, hitting just 4 for 32 with three RBIs before this game.
Roberts, the Dodgers’ manager, acknowledged the Yankees’ performance, stating, “I don’t think anyone expected those guys to lay down. We had some at-bats that I thought could have been better, but we knew it was a bullpen game.”
Freeman’s remarkable performance throughout the series has set several records, including being the first player to homer in the first four games of a World Series. His impressive streak of six consecutive games with a home run surpasses the previous record held by Houston’s George Springer.
As the series progresses, the focus shifts to Game 5, where both teams will be eager to secure a pivotal victory. The Yankees are determined to continue their momentum and extend the series, while the Dodgers aim to reclaim control and close it out.
With tensions running high and both teams showcasing their strengths, Game 5 promises to be an exhilarating contest as the World Series heads into its decisive moments. Fans eagerly await what could be a historic night at Yankee Stadium as the Yankees look to defy the odds and keep their championship hopes alive.