Andrew’s One Good and One Bad (Game 4, World Series)

Andrew’s One Good and One Bad

By Andrew Hefner

October 30, 2024

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Something clicked over the 24 hours before last night’s World Series game as the Yankees bats came alive to force a Game 5.

This team looked complete again with slumps being pushed to the side and excellent baserunning completing this offense. There has never been a team to come back from a 3-0 deficit, but from what I saw last night, this team could do it.

Let’s take a look at One Good and One Bad from Game 4 of the 2024 World Series.

The Good

I have so much to say about this team’s performance last night. From the home runs to the stolen bases, to the doubles, everything worked in perfect harmony to help put up 11 runs on the board against the Dodgers.

Austin Wells and Aaron Judge, arguably two of the most disappointing players in the postseason this year, both just made a splash last night, showing off their talent once again while on the brink of elimination. Aaron Judge’s approach changed for Game 4, as for the first time this series he had no strikeouts while also driving in a run. He looked much more natural and showed why he deserves to stay in that 3-hole in the Yankees' lineup. The same can be said for Austin Wells. Wells did not start in Game 3 but returned to the lineup in Game 4 also with some new flair. Austin would send one into the New York night, late in the game and was finally able to show off his power on the greatest stage.

Anthony Volpe, do I need to say much more? The kid from New Jersey who grew up idolizing Derek Jeter and the Yankees, had his first big postseason moment. Volpe went 3-3 with a walk and a big grand slam which sent the Yanks ahead early and helped cement a Game 4 win. He was the difference maker in this game and I’m so happy that he was finally able to have the big night that he’s been needing. It was great to see guys consistently get on base ahead of him which certainly helped him in his efforts last night.

Five bases were stolen last night. For anyone who has watched the Yankees for the last few years, they would know that baserunning is not this team's greatest strong suit. However, the impact of Jazz Chisolm and Anthony Volpe can clearly be recognized as throughout the postseason they have both been showing off their superb baserunning abilities. Let’s hope they keep manufacturing runs that way. If so, more wins will come.

The Bad

Is it too late to make a push? Last night showed that this team is willing to keep this Series going and that they have the capabilities to make something happen. The only problem is, was last night a fluke?

The Yankees, no doubt, would need to have the greatest final three games in World Series history to pull this comeback off. But, if they can replicate Game 4 again, I see no problem with this being a possibility.

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It was amazing to witness that game because it gave me a sense of what real World Series baseball is like in the Bronx. The atmosphere was insane and fans showed they still have hope that something magical can happen.

Gerrit Cole will be back on the bump in the Bronx, and if all goes well, maybe another game will be in their future!