Dumsha Wijesinghe JadeTimes Staff
W.G.S.D.Wijesinghe is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Sports News
The New York Yankees kept their World Series dreams alive, fueled by Anthony Volpe’s third inning grand slam at Yankee Stadium, which powered them to an 11-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although the Dodgers still lead the best of seven series 3-1, the Yankees staved off a sweep. No team in MLB history has ever rebounded from a 3-0 deficit to win the World Series, setting a challenging path ahead for New York.
The game began with a familiar sight as Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman, who has homered in every game of the series, launched a two-run shot in the first inning, recalling his game three performance. The Yankees immediately attempted to respond when Gleyber Torres hit a deep fly ball down the right-field line. However, Mookie Betts made a catch against the wall, and Torres was called out due to fan interference when a spectator attempted to pry the ball from Betts glove.
Dodging injuries that have plagued their rotation, the Dodgers chose a bullpen strategy, utilizing multiple relievers. Initially, the Yankees seemed to face the same struggles, particularly with runners in scoring positions. They managed to put runners on second and third with only one out in the second inning but converted only one run, thanks to Alex Verdugo’s RBI.
Then, Volpe electrified the Bronx with a two out grand slam to left center, securing a 5-2 Yankees lead. However, the Dodgers retaliated in the fourth, with a solo home run by Will Smith and an RBI by Freeman, cutting New York’s advantage to 5-4. But the Yankees rallied again in the sixth, as Austin Wells homered to widen the gap, setting the stage for an offensive surge in the eighth inning. Volpe sprinted home on an infield hit, Torres smashed a three run homer, and even Aaron Judge, who has struggled at the plate, contributed an RBI, ensuring the series would return to Yankee Stadium for game five.
Freeman’s impact has been remarkable, especially considering injury concerns earlier in the season. Sidelined in September with a sprained ankle, the 35 year old underwent intensive treatment, sometimes for three hours a day, to stay game ready. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts even rested him in three playoff games to manage his recovery. Freeman’s grand slam in game one was a callback to Kirk Gibson’s iconic 1988 World Series home run, with Gibson limping dramatically around the bases. With homers in six consecutive World Series games, including his final two with the Braves in 2021, Freeman surpassed the previous record of five, held by former Astros outfielder George Springer.
