Aaron Judge’s home run ultimately proved decisive as the New York Yankees secured a 6-3 victory in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series. Judge’s two-run blast in the seventh inning extended the Yankees’ lead, and they held on through the final innings to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
This marked Aaron Judge’s his first home run in the postseason, solidifying his presence when the team needed him most.
Gleyber Torres led off the inning with a single, setting the stage for Judge’s heroics. He sent a 1-1 pitch from right-hander Hunter Gaddis over the center field wall, with the ball traveling 414 feet at an exit velocity of 111.3 mph. The home run extended the Yankees’ lead, marking Judge’s first long ball since September 26 and his first postseason homer since October 18, 2022, also against the Guardians in the ALDS. This crucial moment broke a nine-game homerless streak for the Yankees’ captain, providing a much-needed spark for New York as they aim to take control of the series.
AP
Rizzo’s clutch hit gives Yankees edge despite Chisholm’s pickoff in ALCS Game 2
Earlier in the game, Anthony Rizzo’s clutch double had shifted the momentum, putting the Yankees ahead 3-2. Despite Jazz Chisholm’s costly base-running error, resulting in a pickoff in the sixth inning, Rizzo’s hit down the right-field line drove in Anthony Volpe and capitalized on a Guardians’ defensive misplay. Rizzo, playing through two fractured fingers, delivered a critical moment that helped build the Yankees’ lead.
However, base-running woes resurfaced in the bottom of the sixth. After Alex Verdugo’s flyout, Guardians pitcher Pedro Avila entered the game. Rizzo, attempting to advance on a pitch in the dirt, was picked off between second and third, halting the Yankees’ offensive push. Despite this misstep, Aaron Judge’s two-run homer in the seventh reignited the Yankees’ momentum, further building on Rizzo’s earlier contribution.
Aaron Judge’s performance not only secured the Yankees’ 6-3 victory but also highlighted his consistency in high-pressure moments.
Just a day before, Giancarlo Stanton had tied with Judge for postseason home runs, but with his 14th postseason blast, Judge has now surpassed Stanton (13) to claim sole possession of fifth place on the Yankees’ all-time postseason home run list. He now trails only Bernie Williams (22), Derek Jeter (20), Mickey Mantle (18), and Babe Ruth (15), further cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s top performers in the postseason.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt later reflected on the team’s strategy to contain Judge, which included intentionally walking Juan Soto earlier in the series to face Judge with the bases loaded. This tactic aimed to minimize damage from Soto, but it highlighted how stopping Judge presented its own set of challenges.
“They were hitting the ball around the ballpark, and we needed to stop the game,” Vogt explained, acknowledging that their plan to neutralize Judge didn’t pan out as intended. The strategy of using intentional walks to manage key moments ultimately backfired, as Judge continued to make his presence felt in critical situations.
Stephen Vogt discusses the decision to intentionally walk Juan Soto to face Aaron Judge with the bases loaded:
"They were hitting the ball around the ballpark and we needed to stop the game" pic.twitter.com/1iTdVaCtXz
In the end, Aaron Judge’s seventh-inning blast proved to be the decisive moment in Game 2, propelling the Yankees to a 6-3 victory and further cementing his role as the team’s postseason anchor. As the series progresses, Judge’s ability to deliver in clutch moments will remain central to the Yankees’ pursuit of the ALCS title, solidifying his status as one of the most feared hitters in the game.
Amanda Paula is a sports writer with a passion for American football and a keen interest in the NY Yankees. Raised among Americans in Brazil, Mandy's unique cultural background has greatly influenced her career and provided her with a diverse perspective on the world of sports.
Born and raised in Brazil, Amanda developed a deep appreciation for sports at a young age. Growing up in a community with a robust American presence, she was exposed to various sports, but baseball captivated her heart. Inspired by the passion and tactics of the game, Amanda dedicated herself to studying and understanding the intricacies of the sport.
Amanda's love for American sports and soccer led her to pursue a career in sports journalism. She obtained a degree in journalism from a prestigious university, where she honed her skills in writing and reporting. Her studies gave her a solid foundation in journalism ethics, research methodologies, and effective storytelling techniques.
After completing her education, Amanda embarked on her professional journey as a sports writer. Her unique background as a Brazilian immersed in American culture gave her a fresh perspective on American sports.
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