"I just said 'screw it'" - Austin Wells on how he & Yankees approached World Series Game 4 with 3-0 deficit
The New York Yankees opened their account in the World Series with an 11-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 on Tuesday, with catcher Austin Wells being one of their top performers. Wells said that he and the team, facing a 3-0 series deficit, decided to come out swinging despite having their backs against the wall.
Austin Wells enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2024 after establishing himself as the regular catcher for the New York Yankees before the end of the regular season. However, the 25-year-old rookie suffered a massive slump in the playoffs, with only one extra-base hit coming into the World Series. Yet, Wells produced two crucial knocks on Tuesday to help his team stay alive in the Fall Classic.
Wells got a double in the second inning before hitting a solo home run in the sixth, which was followed by a spectacular bat flip. He told Fox Sports' on-field reporter Ken Rosenthal about the change in his mindset that allowed him to get out of his slump.
"I just said 'screw it,'" he said. "We were down three, and I just went out there and said 'screw it.'
"I haven't even seen it yet," Wells replied about his batflip. "I don't really know what I did, to be honest with you."
It was the second home run of the postseason for Austin Wells despite his struggles at the plate. He's 6-46 in the playoffs, but half of those hits have gone for extra bases.
"A lot of what happened today": Austin Wells on what the Yankees need to draw level in the World Series
Despite earning a comprehensive victory in a must-win situation, the New York Yankees are still only one defeat away from losing the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Austin Wells believes the Yankees will have to deliver the same level of performance in every game of the series to remain on track to pull off a historic comeback against the Dodgers.
"A lo of what happened today," Wells said. "A lot of good at-bats, a lot of moving the lineup over. Just try and get through their pitching staff. So, it's going to take a lot."
Game 5 will be the final home game of the World Series for the Yankees on Wednesday night, with the final two games to be played at Dodger Stadium if required.