Grand slam from Fil-Am shortstop helps Yankees avoid World Series sweep

NEW YORK – Filipino American shortstop Anthony Volpe blasted a grand slam to lead the New York Yankees to an 11-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the 2024 World Series, staving off a sweep and keeping their championship hopes alive.

Volpe’s third-inning homer gave the Yankees their first lead since Game 1, lifting them to a 5-2 advantage. Additional homers from Gleyber Torres and Austin Wells extended New York’s lead, securing the Yankees’ first World Series victory since falling behind 3-0 in the best-of-seven series.

“I pretty much blacked out as soon as I saw it go over the fence,” Volpe said. “Everyone had confidence that someone was going to get the big hit.”

With Game 5 set for Wednesday at Yankee Stadium, Torres expressed optimism for the team’s momentum. “We showed what we’re capable of doing as a team,” he said. “Go tomorrow like there’s no tomorrow.”

No team has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit in the World Series, but the Yankees became the first team since 1970 to force a Game 5 in such a scenario. Wells, who became the youngest Yankees catcher to homer in a World Series after struggling in previous playoff games, embraced the pressure. “I just said screw it, we’re down three and just went out there,” he said.

The game also saw Dodgers’ first baseman Freddie Freeman make history with a two-run homer in the first inning, marking his fourth consecutive game with a World Series home run, a first in MLB history. Freeman’s power has been crucial, as he hit a walk-off grand slam in Game 1 and now holds the record for homers in six straight World Series games, dating back to his 2021 title run with Atlanta.

The Yankees regained momentum in the eighth inning as Volpe doubled, stole third, and scored on a close throw. Torres added a three-run homer, and Juan Soto capped the scoring with a run off an Aaron Judge single, sending Yankees fans into a frenzy.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised the all-around team performance. “A lot of people getting in on the act was great,” he said. “A lot of pitchers did really good things, really good defense. So good night for us, and we’ll get another opportunity tomorrow.”

With the series now at 3-1, the Yankees will look to continue their historic comeback attempt at home in Game 5.