It would have been uncomfortable if things had gone the other way. The New York Yankees only have a little going for them, with an injury-riddled roster and struggling offense. Catcher Jose Trevino just announced season-ending surgery, and there’s no update on Aaron Judge. But at least the defense is still performing.

Bronx fans would probably have caused a riot if the Yankees had failed to defeat the Kansas City Royals, one of the league’s weakest teams. Sitting at the bottom of the AL East, the Pinstripes won 5-4 against the team with the second-worst MLB record in 2023. And it was all thanks to ‘The Kid’s high baseball IQ.

Anthony Volpe’s Quick Thinking Saves the Day

Much like any rookie, Anthony Volpe has gone through a rollercoaster of a debut season. Hailed as the second coming of Derek Jeter, even Captain Clutch faced troubles as a rookie. However, Volpe keeps proving his worth with some great moves here and there. The same went for Friday night, which ended with a game-winning move from the shortstop.

It was the ninth inning with Bobby Witt Jr. on the plate, who hit a grounder into the shortstop hole. Volpe, aided by his natural athleticism, threw the ball to DJ LeMahieu at third. The infielder quickly tagged Drew Waters moments before he touched base.

READ MORE – Soon After Rough Stretch, Yankees Wunderkind Anthony Volpe’s Stats Improve Drastically After Hilarious Food Incident

There was a heart-stopping moment for Bronx fans when third base umpire Jordan Baker called the Royals slugger safe. But Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone called for a review, and the call was overturned. After a long stretch of losses, the Yankees had finally won.

New York Yankees Fans Laud Volpe’s Brilliant Move

The series opener move would not have been possible had it not been for Billy McKinney’s three-run homer in the fourth. Clarke Schmidt’s mistake had the Bronx reeling, but the Kid’s quick thinking helped clinch a victory.

LeMahieu was sure of the tag, but even Volpe initially believed the umpire’s call. “I thought he was safe,” Volpe told The New York Post. “[The umpire] had a pretty good view [and] I didn’t know if we could challenge since we had just challenged before. I was surprised and happy when they put it on the board.”

However, New Yorkers are finally breathing a sigh of relief.

Some were divided on how to feel about a victory against a team like the Royals.

But most still praised Volpe.

Now if only the Bronx would sweep Kansas City. Given the latest roster performance, it would certainly lift spirits!

WATCH THIS STORY–From Seattle Mariners To Toronto Blue Jays, MLB’s Longest Active World Series Title Droughts