The New York Yankees prevented a sweep in the World Series by defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 in Game 4 on Tuesday to remain in contention.
The Dodgers maintain a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, however, the Yankees' offense is now showing some spark following a sluggish start in the Fall Classic.
In the first three games, New York managed to score just seven runs altogether, but on Tuesday they exploded for 11 runs.
Shortstop Anthony Volpe's grand slam in the third inning put the Yankees ahead 5-2, a lead they maintained until the end. Second baseman Gleyber Torres also contributed with a three-run home run during a five-run eighth inning.
Los Angeles first baseman Freddie Freeman kicked off the game following a familiar pattern by hitting a two-run homer in the opening inning, putting the Dodgers ahead 2-0.
On Tuesday night, he set two new World Series records by hitting a home run. Freeman has homered in every game of this series and has also managed to hit a home run in each of his last six World Series games dating back to 2021.
George Springer hit home runs in five straight World Series games for the Astros between 2017 and 2019. He is the second player, after Freeman, to achieve this feat by hitting home runs in four consecutive games during a single World Series. Springer accomplished this by hitting home runs in Games 4 through 7 in 2017 against the Dodgers and then hitting another home run in the 2019 World Series opener against Washington.
Yankees outfielder Hank Bauer (1958) and Giants slugger Barry Bonds (2002) are the only other players to hit a home run in each of the first three games of a World Series.
Starting for the Yankees, Luis Gil pitched four innings and allowed four runs. He wasn't terrible, but he also wasn't outstanding. The Yankees utilized five relievers, all of whom performed exceptionally well, shutting down the Dodgers for five consecutive scoreless innings.
On Tuesday, the Dodgers opted for a bullpen game and surprisingly used fewer pitchers than New York. Daniel Hudson, who gave up the grand slam to Volpe, was charged with the defeat.
Wednesday in the Bronx will host Game 5, with Gerrit Cole expected to be the starting pitcher for the Yankees, while the Dodgers are set to rely on Jack Flaherty.
Out of the 24 teams that have trailed 3-0 in a World Series, 21 proceeded to lose Game 4, indicating that the Yankees displayed more resilience compared to past teams. They are the first team to secure a victory in such a Game 4 since 1970.
Throughout MLB history, no team has ever managed to overcome a 0-3 deficit in the World Series.
World Series
Dodgers lead 3-1
Friday 10/25 - 8:08 pm (ET) - Game 1: LAD 6, NYY 3 (10 INN)
Saturday 10/26/ - 8:08 pm (ET) - Game 2: LAD 4, NYY 2
Monday 10/28/ - 8:08 pm (ET) - Game 3: LAD 4, NYY 2
Tuesday 10/29/ - 8:08 pm (ET) - Game 4: NYY 11, LAD 4
Wednesday 10/30/ - 8:08 pm (ET) - Game 5: 8:08 pm (ET) - LAD at NYY
Friday 11/01/ - 8:08 pm (ET) - Game 6: 8:08 pm (ET) - NYY at LAD (*)
Saturday 11/02/ - 8:08 pm (ET) - Game 7: 8:08 pm (ET) - NYY at LAD (*)
(*) If necessary
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