For better or worse, the Yankees often reflect the performance of Aaron Judge.
And it just took one pivotal swing to bring the team back to life, all thanks to the captain.
In this game, the Yankees found themselves chasing five runs in just three innings, facing elimination. Then, Judge hit a towering three-run homer that soared over the left field foul pole, tying the game in the fourth inning.
This much-needed playoff moment opened the floodgates; Judge Chisholm Jr. followed up with a home run himself, giving the Yankees their first lead of the series and securing a 9-6 victory over the Blue Jays in Game 3 of the Bronze ALDS.
While the Blue Jays initially took a commanding 6-1 lead against Carlos Rodon, the Yankees’ bullpen stepped up, pitching 6²/₃ shutout innings. That performance was crucial to extend their season and ensure that Judge’s monumental hit counted. Fernando Cruz (four outs), Camilo Dorval (three outs), Tim Hill (four outs), and Devin Williams (four outs) all contributed before David Bednar closed it out with a five-out save.
Judge’s dramatic game-tying homer sent shockwaves through the packed crowd of 47,399, emphasizing his strong performance throughout the game.
He finished 3-for-3 with a double, homer, walk, four RBIs, and three runs scored, not to mention a spectacular diving catch in the fifth inning when the Blue Jays had a runner on second.
Suddenly, the Yankees have a shot. Cam Schritter is set to pitch for Game 4, while the Blue Jays are gearing up for a bullpen game on Wednesday.
Before this series, Judge had a chance to shine in Game 1 but ended up going only 8-for-18 with singles and one double in the postseason, leaving that anticipation lingering as he stepped up to bat in the fourth inning of Game 3, trailing 6-3, with two men on and one out.
A fast righty, Louis Valland, quickly went ahead 0-2, firing 99.7 mph fastballs. But then, Judge made his move on that crisp October night.
He paused, relishing the moment as the ball soared through the air. Rounding the bases amidst heroic applause, he brought the score to 6-6.
Chisholm struck again, connecting with another deep hit in the fifth inning to put the Yankees up 7-6.
Before Chisholm’s shot, the Blue Jays had led for most of the series, including a tense tie in Game 2 after a scoreless first inning.
After the Blue Jays went on a scoring spree in the third inning, pushing Rodon out of the game, the Yankees looked to regroup. Judge and Trent Grisham responded with back-to-back doubles, and Giancarlo Stanton chipped in with a sacrifice fly, reducing the deficit to 6-3.
Then, the Blue Jays made a blunder in the fourth when third baseman Addison Berger dropped a pop-up along the left field line, which the Yankees capitalized on.
Grisham walked, and when the Blue Jays opted to pull Valland, Judge seized the moment.
After Judge and Chisholm’s back-to-back homers, the Yankees added some insurance in the fifth inning. Amed Rosario connected for a double, and Austin Wells sent him home, navigating past Guerrero.
In the sixth inning, the Blue Jays intentionally walked Judge, who later scored on Ben Rice’s sacrifice fly, sealing a 9-6 lead.
