Aaron Judge is warming up at the perfect time for the Yankees’ World Series push. Typically, when he connects with a high fastball, fans can expect a powerful home run. However, recent games have shown uncertainty surrounding his at-bats, leaving spectators and teammates alike holding their breath.
During a tense moment in the seventh inning on Tuesday night, the crowd at Yankee Stadium was unsure whether Judge’s fly ball would clear the outfield wall. Gleyber Torres, who was on base, hesitated as the ball soared toward center field. By the time Judge’s hit landed beyond the fence, he had caught up to Torres, letting him jog ahead before starting his own home run trot.
“He did that earlier this year, so I was pretty annoyed,” Judge remarked about Torres’ decision to tag up. “But with the wind, you never know what the ball will do.” His light-hearted frustration highlighted the camaraderie among teammates, as first baseman Anthony Rizzo chimed in, expressing surprise at Torres not recognizing Judge’s home run potential.
The two-run homer marked Judge’s first postseason home run this year, breaking a 35 at-bat drought since his last playoff home run in Game 5 of the 2022 ALDS against the Guardians. His recent struggles at the plate had raised concerns, as he entered Game 2 of the American League Championship Series with a .133 batting average.
Even with Judge’s underwhelming performance, the Yankees have managed to thrive. They won comfortably against the Royals in the ALDS and held a 4-2 lead against the Guardians before Judge’s crucial hit in the seventh inning. His teammates had been performing well, but Judge’s resurgence could be a game-changer as they aim for the World Series.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed relief at Judge breaking through, stating, “It was great to see him put one in the seats and give us a cushion.” The Yankees’ captain is now poised to regain his form, and if he continues to heat up, it could spell trouble for opposing teams.
As the Yankees move forward in the postseason, the Guardians, along with other teams like the Dodgers and Mets, can only hope Judge’s resurgence is not just a fleeting moment but a sign of strong performances to come.
