Despite the swing potentially being a series-changer, it was a crucial hit for Volpe. Offensively struggling in 2024, Volpe had the seventh-lowest OPS among players with at least 500 at-bats in the regular season (.657). Even in the postseason, Volpe had a .244 batting average in his first 12 games.
Another unexpected Yankee, catcher Austin Wells, hit a home run in the sixth inning to extend the lead to 6-4. Volpe and Wells will need to continue making an impact at the bottom of the batting order for the Yankees to make a comeback.
Dave Roberts’ bullpen mismanagement cost Dodgers a chance to clinch title
Similar to Game 2 of the NLCS against the Mets, the Dodgers chose a bullpen game in Tuesday’s contest, leading to a loss. Ben Casparius, the Game 4 starter, had a decent outing, but Roberts’ decisions with the bullpen backfired.
Roberts’ decisions in the third inning with Hudson and Knack ultimately led to a sixth-inning home run by Wells, shifting momentum to the Yankees. Despite trailing by two runs, Roberts continued with his bullpen strategy, resulting in a five-run eighth inning for the Yankees.
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman’s historic tear at the plate continues
Freeman started Game 4 with a two-run homer off Luis Gil, continuing his impressive performance at the plate.