Judge’s Dramatic Home Run Revives Yankees
Aaron Judge’s impressive home run on Tuesday night wasn’t just another ordinary hit. It was a moment that might define his season, as he launched a three-run homer off a 99.7 mph pitch that struck the foul pole, tying the game. This home run marked a significant milestone—Judge became the first player since the pitch tracking era began in 2008 to hit a home run on a pitch with such speed. It’s worth noting, too, that this was his first home run on a pitch exceeding 99.5 mph.
Typically, pulling a ball hit inside that far into the air would result in a foul. However, it appears the Yankees might owe a nod of thanks to a franchise legend.
“I guess we’ll never really know if the wind played a role,” Judge mused. “But I think perhaps some ghosts from Monument Park were with me on that one.” He also shared a light-hearted jab at past criticisms of his swinging at pitches outside the zone, noting, “When I swing at those outside pitches, people yell at me, but now I’m getting praised? It’s funny how things turn.”
During this match, the Yankees had a solid lead of 6-1 thanks to Judge’s homer. However, in an unexpected twist, they had to regroup, and Carlos Rodón was forced to leave the game before the end of the third inning. Jazz Chisholm Jr. contributed a solo homer in the fifth, and the Yankees managed to score two more runs while their bullpen maintained impressive composure, accumulating 22 outs without allowing a score.
As the game progressed, it appeared the Yankees were teetering on the brink of being eliminated from the American League Division Series against their rivals, the Toronto Blue Jays, who were pursuing a quick victory.
In a surprising turnaround, both teams will return to the Bronx for a crucial Game 5 on Wednesday night at 7:08 pm ET.
Meanwhile, rookie standout Cam Schlitler, fresh off an impressive eight-goal game against the Boston Red Sox, is set to join the Yankees. The Blue Jays, on the other hand, are preparing for a bullpen game, featuring the same pitcher who faced Judge when he connected for that unforgettable home run.
