A four-day break may have been just what Anthony Volpe needed.

The Yankees shortstop looked recharged and refreshed on Friday night, going 2-for-4 with three RBI, which included a two-out, bases-loaded double in the third that gave the Bombers a 4-0 lead en route to a 6-1 win over the Rays.

It was much more reminiscent of the Volpe from earlier in the season rather than the one who limped toward the All-Star break and lost his role as the leadoff hitter.

“Over the break, I took a step back to work on some stuff,” Volpe said after Friday's game. “Feel like when I control myself, my movements I feel like I can be dangerous.”

The Yankees are certainly hopeful. While Volpe’s big hit came in the third inning, it proved to be a pivotal moment in the game. They had loaded the bases with no outs and appeared as if they were only going to squeeze just one run out of the situation.

But Volpe managed to get a good swing on a curveball low and inside and rope it down the third base line and into left field.

“It’s who he is,” manager Aaron Boone said afterward. “Tough way to end the half. He’s such a good pro and cares so much. For him to come through with a big hit – a big two-out hit. I feel like we’ve had a lot of games where we’ve had traffic and haven’t been able to get that big hit, that was the big back-breaking hit that we needed. Got it. Two outs. Really excited for him and that got us going tonight.”

Volpe had jumped out to a hot start this season, hitting .282 with a .794 OPS through May, but trailed off over the last six weeks as the Yankees struggled.

He lost the leadoff spot and slashed .194/.222/.277 with a .498 OPS since June 1. But Volpe is determined to get back to being an impact bat in the lineup.

“Taking everything day by day,” Volpe said. “Definitely been working on stuff. You play to help the team win so when you contribute you feel good.”

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