Heading into Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt had high praise for one of baseball’s biggest stars. When asked if his heart races when Yankees captain Aaron Judge steps up to the plate, Vogt responded with a candid nod to the game’s greats.
“I like watching him hit. I’m a baseball fan too,” Vogt said.
Stephen Vogt was asked if his heart rate spikes when Aaron Judge steps into the box:
As much as Vogt might admire Aaron Judge’s prowess at the plate, that sentiment is unlikely to comfort the Guardians, who now find themselves trailing 2-0 in the ALCS after Judge’s critical two-run home run helped lift the Yankees to a 6-3 victory in Game 2 on Tuesday.
Aaron Judge’s seventh-inning blast, his first home run of the postseason, snapped a 35 at-bat postseason drought, with his last playoff homer coming in the 2022 ALDS—ironically, also against Cleveland. The timing couldn’t have been better for the Bronx Bombers, who are banking on their slugger heating up at the perfect moment for a World Series push.
“He’s had really good at-bats and come up in big situations,” said Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo, reflecting on Judge’s impact. “To get the home run, it was a really easy swing, and he’s the best in the business at that.”
Aaron Judge’s home run came with some drama as the ball soared toward the deepest part of Yankee Stadium. Even his teammates weren’t certain if the ball would clear the wall. Gleyber Torres, on first base at the time, tagged up and cautiously began advancing toward second, unsure if the hit would be a home run. Judge, quickly catching up to Torres near first base, delayed his home run trot until Torres started jogging.
“He did that earlier this year too, so I was pretty pissed then,” Judge joked after the game. “I was pretty pissed again. You never know with the wind, what the ball’s going to do out there in center field. He’s trying to get into scoring position, so I let this one slide.”
The Yankees, who have leaned on other contributors throughout the postseason, now appear to have Aaron Judge waking up at just the right time. The team has relied on its depth to secure their current 2-0 lead in the ALCS, but Judge’s re-emergence as a power threat adds another layer of danger for their opponents.
New York manager Aaron Boone didn’t hesitate to acknowledge the significance of Aaron Judge’s home run. “It’s always just a matter of time with Aaron,” Boone said. “Definitely good to see him put one in the seats and really give us a cushion there.”
As the Yankees head into Game 3, the Guardians, like the rest of the league, will have to contend with Aaron Judge’s renewed confidence. If the Yankees captain can continue producing big swings, the Bronx Bombers will be well-positioned to make a deep postseason run and aim for their first World Series title since 2009.
“We’re getting into a good rhythm,” Aaron Judge said. “I’m just trying to do my part.”
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.
