NEW YORK (AP) — Anthony Volpe hit a grand slam and drove in a career-high five runs during his rousing return to the majors as the New York Yankees beat the Colorado Rockies 10-3 on Thursday night to tighten the AL East race.
Luis García Jr. launched an early two-run homer and rookie Spencer Jones had three hits for the Yankees, including a two-run single. New York completed a three-game sweep to move within three games of Tampa Bay atop the division and 4 1/2 ahead of Boston for the first American League wild card with 16 to play.
Click to Gallery
Colorado Rockies pitcher Ryan Feltner reacts during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Jimmy Herget reacts after giving up a grand slam to New York Yankees' Anthony Volpe during the seventh inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Yankees' Anthony Volpe is congratulated after hitting a grand slam during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Yankees' Anthony Volpe hits a run scoring single during the second inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Yankees' Anthony Volpe hits a grand slam during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Max Fried struck out seven in his third start since coming off the injured list but needed 80 pitches to get through 3 1/3 innings. Five relievers followed, and John Schreiber (2-3) worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings for his first win with the Yankees.
New York slugger Aaron Judge was rested as planned after starting back-to-back games in his return from the 60-day injured list. Cody Bellinger doubled twice and lofted a sacrifice fly for the Yankees, who have won 16 of 23 heading into the second Subway Series of the season against the crosstown-rival New York Mets this weekend in the Bronx.
Kyle Karros hit a 431-foot homer and Jake McCarthy had an RBI triple for the major league-worst Rockies (55-91), who have lost four straight and 10 of 13. Colorado has dropped a season-worst seven in a row on the road.
García connected in the first off Ryan Feltner (5-10), who allowed four runs and six hits in five innings.
Recalled from the minors earlier in the day, Volpe had an RBI single in the second and lined his second big league homer this season over the short porch in right field to make it 10-2 in the seventh.
Volpe took a curtain call to salute a Yankee Stadium crowd that chanted his name several times throughout the night. He finished with three hits and a stolen base while playing a new position, second base, after Jazz Chisholm Jr. was placed on the 10-day injured list.
It was Volpe's second career grand slam — plus one in the 2024 World Series.
Rockies RHP Mason Adams (0-0, 3.95 ERA) starts Friday at home against Detroit LHP Framber Valdez (9-10, 4.17).
Yankees LHP Carlos Rodón (5-3, 3.09 ERA) pitches Friday night against Mets rookie RHP Nolan McLean (11-8, 3.06) on the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
See AP’s full MLB coverage here
Colorado Rockies pitcher Ryan Feltner reacts during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Jimmy Herget reacts after giving up a grand slam to New York Yankees' Anthony Volpe during the seventh inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Yankees' Anthony Volpe is congratulated after hitting a grand slam during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Yankees' Anthony Volpe hits a run scoring single during the second inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Yankees' Anthony Volpe hits a grand slam during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
DALLAS (AP) — President Donald Trump returned to the stage on the second and final night of the Republicans’ midterm convention in Dallas on Thursday, imploring the crowd to “go out and vote” to save his party's majorities in Congress.
Trump praised his own Vice President JD Vance, who delivered a keynote speech that was closely watched as potentially teeing up a post-Trump future. Although Vance has not said whether he will run for the White House and Trump has yet to name an heir apparent, the crowd roared “JD! JD!” when he stepped to the microphone.
The president organized the convention in hopes of energizing supporters who often turn out for Trump but not for other candidates.
“You got to do me the biggest favor you’ve ever done,” Trump told the crowd. “You’ve got to do this for me.”
At one point he led the crowd in a repeat-after-me pledge to vote on Nov. 3.
Vance delivered searing criticism of Democrats, calling them “the party of hatred.” And even though Republicans have faced their own rifts over Trump's war in Iran and other issues, he urged them to remain united for the midterms.
“Don’t give the country over to a bunch of crazy people because you happen to disagree with us on a policy issue here or there,” he said.
Republicans face a potential reckoning this fall. They are struggling to bolster enthusiasm for congressional candidates and laboring to overcome voters’ concerns about the economy and the war with Iran. While many Republicans skipped the confab at American Airlines Center, others still see solidarity with Trump as their best shot at winning, despite the president’s low approval rating.
Republicans spent two consecutive nights denouncing Democrats as extremists, and Trump capped Wednesday by making the outlandish promise of $5,000 to each American adult if his party wins. Such a proposal could cost more than $1 trillion and was roundly panned by budget experts — and even some Republicans in the president's party.
House Democrats, in Texas for a second day of counterprogramming, blasted the Republicans’ convention as an opulent spectacle for an out-of-touch president.
“As Donald Trump and JD Vance party away for two days, the average American family can’t afford the groceries,” said Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif. “Donald Trump does not care about the average American family or about affordability.”
Protesters chanting “say it loud, say it clear, Donald Trump’s not welcome here” marched down streets, but were stopped by police from getting too close to the site.
Vance’s keynote offered hints about his political aspirations, as he spoke about his own family, his wife, Usha, who recently gave birth to their fourth child, and his vision for the country, which closely aligns with Trump’s.
When a protester with a Mexican flag interrupted his speech, Vance won an extended uproar of approval with his response.
“Well, my friend, if you love Mexico so much, get your a— over there. I’ll buy you a plane ticket,” he said.
"We got to send a message this November,” Vance said. “This country was handed down to us by our parents and their parents before them. We received this national birthright, and we are going to fight for it by electing Republicans this November.”
The vice president, who also serves as the Republican National Committee’s finance chair, raised $2 million for the party earlier Thursday at a fundraiser in Dallas, according to a person familiar with the event who was not authorized to discuss it publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Trump is also deploying his cash in key midterm races. No Going Back PAC Inc., which, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, is connected to Trump’s MAGA Inc., has reserved more than $68 million for advertising. The person was not authorized to speak publicly about the funding arrangement.
The second night of the convention showcased some of the most electorally endangered Republicans in Congress and those challenging Democrats in tough races, as well as another potential presidential hopeful: Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who railed against liberal Democrats.
Coming on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the evening solemnly marked that moment. It also produced a video tribute to Charlie Kirk, who co-founded the conservative group Turning Point USA. He was assassinated one year ago.
“His voice has only grown louder,” said Lucas Miles, a pastor and vice president at Turning Point. The president's son, Donald Trump Jr., drew chants of “USA!” as he honored Kirk and criticized Democrats.
At one point, Rep. Mike Lawler, who is fighting to win reelection in New York, appeared onstage with the family of Sheridan Gorman, who presented a “buddy bench” for Congress to sit together. She was fatally shot in Chicago and officials have charged a man they say was illegally in the country.
In a lighter moment, Marty O’Donnell, a composer who is challenging a House Democrat in Nevada, got the crowd to sing along to the earworm jingle he wrote for Flintstones vitamins.
The night's themes delved into what House Speaker Mike Johnson calls the “Contrast for America,” as Republicans showcased what they call their “Big Beautiful Bill” of tax breaks and spending cuts and warned of a bleak future if Democrats take control.
The campaign slogan is a throwback to another Republican leader, Newt Gingrich, who offered a Contract with America. This time, rather than presenting a detailed list of priorities, Republicans are quick to portray all Democrats as in line with their most liberal candidates, some backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, and focused on investigating the Trump administration.
“It truly is a contrast between common sense and crazy,” Johnson said. “We cannot and we will not allow them to take the majority in Congress.”
With the Republican majorities in the House and Senate both at risk this fall, the president’s agenda for his final two years in office is also at stake. The margins in Congress are expected to be narrow, with a few seats in a shrunken map of competitive races determining the outcome.
Presidents past have acknowledged their midterm losses — Barack Obama called his 2010 setbacks a “shellacking,” George W. Bush labeled his a “thumping.”
But Trump often refuses to accept defeat, including his false claims that he, rather than Joe Biden, won the 2020 election. One of the many people he pardoned for their actions in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, former Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes, appeared at the convention.
Trump on Wednesday predicted that “the great American majority is going to stand up and continue to Make America Great Again. And we will make our voices heard, perhaps like never before.”
Mascaro reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Thomas Beaumont and Jamie Stengle in Dallas, Will Weissert, Steven Sloan and Aamer Madhani in Washington, JJ Cooper in Phoenix, Bill Barrow in Atlanta, Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Mike Catalini in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, Hannah Fingerhut in Des Moines, Iowa, and Sarah Rankin in Richmond, Virginia, contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump stands by while Christopher Macchio, Presidential Tenor performs at the Republican convention, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
President Donald Trump listens while Christopher Macchio, Presidential Tenor performs at the Republican convention, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
President Donald Trump watches as balloons fall at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Vice President JD Vance points to President Donald Trump at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump greets Vice President JD Vance at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
With Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., in rear right, Tom Gordon kisses his daughter Madelon next to his wife Jessica at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Medal of Honor recipients Don Jenkins, left, and Donald Ballard, stand with Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., third from right, as victims and first responders from Sept. 11 are honored at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., right, sits on a bench with Jessica Gorman and joined by her husband Tom and daughter Madelon at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Mark LaMoncha speaks, as seen on a video screen, at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks at the Republican convention, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
The honor guards leaves the stage after victims and first responders from the Sept. 11 attacks are honored at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Attendees cheer at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Attendees wave flags during Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson of Louisiana, speaks at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., speaks at the Republican convention Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., left, greets House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., at the Republican convention Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. waves after speaking at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
A shirt with the likeness of Charlie Kirk is displayed for sale at the Republican convention, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
An attendee wears a hat with a Charlie Kirk pin at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk stands for an applaud as President Donald Trump speaks at the Republican convention Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Post it notes are placed behind a memorial for Charlie Kirk at the "Creators Deck" for the media, at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Attendees wave signs at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Donald Trump Jr. speaks at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
House Speaker Mike Johnson of La.,, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, with others, attend the Republican convention, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Vice President JD Vance arrives on the stage at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Vice President JD Vance listens as President Donald Trump speaks at the Republican convention Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
U.S Vice President JD Vance participates in an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity during the Republican convention in Dallas, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. (Eric Lee/Pool via AP)
Supporters of Laurie Buckhout, North Carolina U.S. House candidate, cheer at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas, as Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., listens. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Supporters of Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick attend the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Marty O'Donnell, candidate for the U.S. House in Nevada, speaks at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Laura Loomer talks to people at the Republican convention, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Greg Cunningham, candidate for the U.S. House in New Mexico, speaks at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
People fill the arena at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
People attend the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
A video featuring Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., plays at the Republican convention Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump gestures as he finishes his speech at the Republican convention Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
People listen as President Donald Trump speaks at the Republican convention, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Vice President JD Vance greets the crowd during the Republican National Midterm Convention, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Eric Lee/Pool photo via AP)
President Donald Trump speaks at the Republican convention, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
