Yankees Reactions: Volpe's late hit leads Yankees to a much-needed one-run win
New York improves to 32-22 in 2026
KANSAS CITY — The Yankees somehow found a way. The Yankees took the game by a score of 4-3. It was a one-run game win for the Yankees, something they have struggled with in 2026.
It took a late comeback from one of the more improbable players on the roster, Anthony Volpe, to deliver the go-ahead hit.
The Turning Point
The Yankees had a 2-0 lead at one point. The Royals got a run back after Will Warren walked three batters in the second inning, giving way to a sacrifice fly. Salvador Perez took Will Warren deep in the sixth inning to tie the game.
After Brent Headrick and Jake Bird combined to pitch a scoreless seventh inning, Bird stayed in and served up a go-ahead solo home run to Bobby Witt Jr.. Bird has been solid at times in 2026, but should not be pitching in high leverage, like ever.
Despite this, the Yankees strung together a comeback. Sometimes, it goes back to old sayings, and this one was a bloop and a blast, except the blast never came, it was more of a liner. A broken bat infield single by Paul Goldschmidt followed by a double down the line by Jazz Chisholm Jr. with one out gave the Yankees a prime chance to at least tie, if not go ahead, like the Yankees did.
Volpe took a 1-2 pitch and lined a sinker off Royals closer Lucas Erceg and lined it into left-center for a two-run single. It gave the Yankees a much needed 4-3 lead, and eventual win when closer David Bednar slammed the door in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Game Notes & Takeaways
Mastery on the Mound: Will Warren pitched six innings giving up only two runs. That’s a good outing for Warren, given what he’s done in the past this season. Walking three batters in and inning is a recipe for disaster, but Warren still turned in a quality outing.
Offensive Catalyst: Cody Bellinger had a home run today. That’s fun. It was his first home run on the road in 2026. It gave the Yankees an early 1-0 lead. Bellinger has been one of the Yankees more consistent, and better hitters in 2026, but not on the road. Bellinger being able to show off the power on the road is a promising side for the Yankees.
On the Horizon
The Yankees will look to win the series against the Royals tomorrow with Cam Schlittler on the bump against a Royals bullpen game. The Yankees have struggled against opponents bullpen games, but Schlittler has dealt this season, and needs to be on tomorrow. The game will be broadcast on YES network and WFAN.