The New York Yankees finally ignited the offensive fire their fans had long awaited, crushing the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 on Tuesday night and avoiding a World Series sweep. Yet, the challenge remains daunting, as the Dodgers still hold a 3-1 series lead heading into Game 5.
The showdown continues Wednesday night in the Bronx, starting at 8:08 p.m. ET, with the stakes higher than ever.
Volpe’s Slam Revives Yankees’ Spirit
When the Yankees needed a miracle, Anthony Volpe stepped up in a moment of magic. His grand slam came just in time, lighting up Yankee Stadium and overturning an early two-run deficit sparked by Freddie Freeman’s first-inning home run. Volpe’s heartfelt words after the game captured the dream moment.
“It’s my dream, but it was all my friends’ dreams, all my cousins’ dreams, probably my sister’s dream, too. But winning the World Series was first and foremost. By far. Nothing else compares. So still got a lot of work to do,” Volpe shared with FOX Sports’ Derek Jeter.
Dodgers’ Bullpen Gambit Fails
The Dodgers’ strategic gamble of using a full bullpen approach, led by manager Dave Roberts, aimed to rest the rotation but backfired. Once New York’s bats heated up, they showed no signs of cooling down, keeping the Dodgers on their heels.
“We’re in a tough position, but there’s a lot of baseball left to be played, and anything can happen,” Yankees ace Gerrit Cole told MLB.com. “Hey, we’re still in the World Series. Hey, we’re in the Bronx. We’ve still got a shot at this thing.”
Eyes on Game 5: Cole vs. Flaherty
With the Dodgers’ Jack Flaherty preparing to start and the Yankees sending Gerrit Cole to the mound, both teams have high hopes riding on their pitchers to shape the next chapter of this epic series.
Roberts expressed optimism despite the bullpen setback. “As far as outcomes, to have six guys in your pen that are feeling good, rested, I feel good about that,” he said.
For the Dodgers, Freeman’s impressive World Series streak continues. He’s hit a home run in six consecutive games, a feat he hopes will carry the team forward.
“I’ll look back on it after, hopefully, we win and get this thing done tomorrow,” Freeman said.
“Pretty cool. Obviously, hopefully, I can keep it going tomorrow.”
History and Heart: The Yankees’ Uphill Battle
The Yankees face historical odds, as no team has ever clawed back from a 3-0 deficit in the World Series. Only the 2004 Boston Red Sox have managed a comeback from such a daunting situation, stunning the Yankees in the AL Championship.
But the Yankees aren’t backing down. “They’re going to fight,” Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts acknowledged. “If you made it this far, you have a resilient team that’s going to fight the whole time.”
Wednesday night brings another test, a chance for New York to keep the fight alive and force a return to Los Angeles.
