Anthony Volpe made a triumphant return to the major leagues on Thursday night, delivering a grand slam and a career‑high five runs batted in as the New York Yankees defeated the Colorado Rockies 10-3. The victory completed a three‑game sweep and brought the Yankees within three games of the Tampa Bay Rays for the top spot in the American League East.
Key Offensive Highlights
Yankees starter Luis García Jr. opened the scoring with a two‑run homer, and rookie Spencer Jones added three hits, including a two‑run single that helped build an early lead. Volpe, recalled from the minors earlier in the day, contributed an RBI single in the second inning before launching his second big‑league homer of the season – a grand slam that pushed the score to 10-2 in the seventh inning.
Volpe finished the night with three hits, a stolen base, and a memorable curtain call from Yankee Stadium fans who chanted his name repeatedly. He also took the field at second base for the first time after Jazz Chisholm Jr. was placed on the 10‑day injured list.
Pitching Performance
Max Fried, returning from the injured list, struck out seven batters over 3 1/3 innings, using 80 pitches before being relieved. Five relievers followed, and John Schreiber (2‑3) closed out the game with 1 1/3 scoreless innings to earn his first win with the Yankees.
Colorado’s starter Ryan Feltner (5‑10) allowed four runs over five innings, including the early two‑run homer from García. The Rockies, now 55‑91, have lost four straight games and ten of their last thirteen, extending a season‑worst seven‑game road losing streak.
Team Implications
The win moved New York to a season‑best 22 games over .500 at 84‑62, keeping the club on pace for a ninth playoff appearance in ten years. The Yankees are now 4½ games ahead of Boston for the first American League wild‑card spot with 16 games remaining.
With Aaron Judge rested after back‑to‑back games following his return from a 60‑day injured list stint, the Yankees relied on contributions from Cody Bellinger, who doubled twice and added a sacrifice fly, and Kyle Karros of the Rockies, who hit a 431‑foot homer.
Looking Ahead
Next up, the Yankees will host the New York Mets in the second Subway Series of the season, a rivalry that always draws a large crowd in the Bronx. Pitcher Carlos Rodón (5‑3, 3.09 ERA) is slated to start Friday night against Mets rookie Nolan McLean.
Meanwhile, the Rockies will send right‑hander Mason Adams (0‑0, 3.95 ERA) to the mound on Friday as they continue their road trip against the Detroit Tigers.
After the game, the Yankees optioned outfielder Jasson Domínguez to Triple‑A Scranton/Wilkes‑Barre, a move that clears a roster spot while the young star continues his development in the minors.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
