Yankees Keep World Series Hopes Alive
Just when it seemed the New York Yankees‘ magical season was about to come to a disappointing end, the Bronx Bombers delivered a resounding response. Facing elimination in Game 4 of the World Series, the Yankees unleashed a relentless offensive attack to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 at a raucous Yankee Stadium.
Rookie sensation Anthony Volpe provided the biggest blow of the night, launching a grand slam in the fifth inning to break the game open. It was a moment of redemption for the young shortstop, who had struggled mightily in the first three games of the series.
That was the swing of my life. To do it on this stage, in front of these fans, it’s a dream come true.
– Anthony Volpe on his grand slam
Volpe wasn’t the only Yankee to find his power stroke. Catcher Austin Wells crushed a solo homer in the seventh before adding a two-run shot in the eighth as part of New York’s five-run outburst that turned the game into a laugher. Even slugger Aaron Judge showed signs of busting out of his series-long slump, roping a pair of doubles after entering the night with just one hit in the Fall Classic.
Dodgers bullpen falters
For the Dodgers, the story was their uncharacteristically shaky bullpen. Manager Dave Roberts opted to rest his top relievers to keep them fresh for a potential clincher, but the move backfired as a parade of journeymen served up extra-base hits to a locked-in Yankees lineup.
Now the series shifts to a decisive Game 5, with each team turning to their aces in the biggest game of the year. For the Yankees, Gerrit Cole gets the ball, looking to justify the record $324 million contract he signed and deliver a championship to the pinstripes. The Dodgers will counter with midseason acquisition Jack Flaherty, who was dominant in Game 1 but got roughed up by the Mets in the NLCS.
Pressure shifts to LA
With the momentum swinging dramatically, the pressure is squarely on Los Angeles to close things out and avoid a cross-country flight back home with their championship aspirations hanging in the balance. The Yankees meanwhile will look to ride the energy of their home crowd and a suddenly scorching offense to pull off the improbable comeback.
No matter what happens, Game 5 has all the makings of an October classic. Two storied franchises, elite starting pitchers, and offenses capable of changing the game with one swing. Will the Dodgers’ talent and depth finally overwhelm a gritty Yankees squad or can New York author one of the greatest comebacks in World Series history? We’ll find out soon enough under the bright lights in the Bronx.
