Aaron Judge leads Ohtani in home run ace as Yankees face familiar foe in Oakland

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As the New York Yankees gear up for tonight’s game against the Oakland Athletics, there’s plenty of excitement surrounding both the team’s playoff prospects and Aaron Judge’s home run race with Shohei Ohtani.

 Earlier this week, the Yankees officially secured their spot in the postseason, clinching a berth that solidifies their bid for another World Series run. This achievement adds an extra layer of importance to every game, including Judge’s pursuit of the home run title.

Aaron Judge’s home run lead

Heading into tonight’s matchup, Aaron Judge leads the race with 53 home runs, while Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani trails closely behind with 52. With just a week left in the regular season, the competition between these two heavyweights has intensified, and Judge’s performance could be a key factor in both his personal race and the Yankees’ quest for playoff momentum.

Aaron Judge’s season got off to a slower start than expected in 2024, but he has since found his stride and remained a key figure in the Yankees’ offense. The Yankees captain, who set the American League single-season home run record in 2023 with 62 homers, has once again shown his resilience and power, leading the Bronx Bombers through a crucial stretch of games as they locked in their playoff spot. His ability to rise to the occasion and consistently deliver at the plate has kept him in the thick of the home run race with Ohtani, one of the most versatile players in Major League Baseball.

Ohtani, known for his unprecedented combination of power and speed, recently became the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50 home run and 50 stolen base season. While this historic feat has garnered much attention, many analysts, including Kevin Barker, argue that Aaron Judge’s season is equally, if not more, impressive. As Barker put it in a recent interview, “Ohtani’s two-way brilliance is undeniable, but Aaron Judge has carried the Yankees through thick and thin this year. To me, that’s what makes his season stand out.”

Tonight’s game against the Athletics offers another chance for Aaron Judge to extend his lead over Ohtani in the home run race. He’ll face former Yankees prospect JP Sears, now pitching for Oakland, adding a layer of familiarity and intrigue to the matchup. With the Yankees already assured a postseason berth, they can focus on building momentum, while Aaron Judge eyes a strong finish to what has already been another remarkable season.

Where and how to watch

The Yankees take on the Athletics tonight at 9:07 p.m. ET at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Fans can catch the game live on YES Network or stream it on platforms like FuboTV. For those tuning in from out of market, MLB.TV is another option to watch the action unfold.

Yankees fans have plenty to look forward to, not just in the playoffs, but in witnessing Aaron Judge’s pursuit of a second consecutive home run crown. Every home run at this stage could be crucial, both in securing Judge’s place atop the leaderboard and in keeping the Bronx Bombers primed for a deep postseason run. The Yankees’ playoff future is secured, but the drama of the home run race continues, making tonight’s game another must-watch moment in an unforgettable season.

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