NEW YORK – On a tense night during Game 3 of the American League Division Series, Aaron Judge and the Yankees found themselves in dire straits, trailing 6-1 in the third inning.
After losing the first two games in Toronto, the team was on the brink of elimination in this best-of-five series.
Despite the doubts surrounding the team, the Bronx Bombers rallied. Capitalizing on their opponent’s defensive errors, a baffling Shane Bieber, and a Toronto bullpen that left much to be desired, the Yankees scored eight unanswered runs, culminating in a 9-6 victory. Although they have revived their hopes, the Yankees still trail in the series, 1-2, with Game 4 scheduled for Wednesday in the Bronx.
Aaron Judge Game-Winning Home Run
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly Aaron Judge’s three-run home run, which tied the game 6-6 in the fourth inning. Facing reliever Louis Varland, “The Judge” connected on a fastball that was 1.2 feet inside at an impressive 99.7 mph. This blast was recorded as a record for a home run off that type of pitch, and the ball soared over the left-field pole.
The explosion of jubilation at Yankee Stadium was deafening, and the Yankees appeared to be headed for their first win of this series and their third victory of these playoffs, having been on the brink of elimination.
Toronto’s Missed Opportunities
“It’s a big deal,” commented Judge, who now has six home runs in games where the Yankees were facing elimination, tying him with Hall of Famer David Ortiz for the most in Major League Baseball history. “I was just trying to do my job, like I’ve been trying to do all season. I didn’t want to do too much.”
The support of the 47,399 fans at Yankee Stadium was palpable. When Jazz Chisholm Jr. gave New York the decisive lead with a home run in the fifth inning, the crowd’s enthusiasm intensified and lasted until the final pitch of the game.
“If I’m in the middle of the lineup, I have to find a way to get on base,” said Judge, who has an impressive .500 batting average this postseason, with 11 hits in 22 at-bats, two doubles, six RBIs, and his first home run of these playoffs, bringing his career postseason total to 17.
The Impact on the Team
Judge’s home run not only ignited the fans but also lifted the spirits of the Yankees dugout. “I thought I hit it,” Amed Rosario said with a smile, after going 1-for-2 with a run scored in relief of third baseman Ryan McMahon. “I saw that ball and felt like it had to be good. I’m really happy for him because at the end of the day, he made the important hit.”
A Persevering Team
“I can tell you that even though the score was 6-1, the guys never gave up. They maintained a positive attitude. They went out there and started chipping away… one run at a time. In the end, the bats were there, which is what was needed,” commented Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who has consistently praised his team’s determination.
Boone emphasized the importance of continuing to fight even when circumstances are adverse. “Obviously, it was a big deal to see how my guys reacted in Game 3. You have to keep competing even when things aren’t looking good. There were a lot of quality at-bats to come back, as well as key defensive plays and some great work from the bullpen.”
“It’s playoff baseball. You have to keep moving forward. It was a great team win. It’s exciting to see so many guys step up to important roles to get the win,” Boone added.
On Wednesday, in Game 4, the Yankees will look to even the series and force a decisive Game 5 in Toronto on Friday. Rookie Cam Schlittler, who starred in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series against the Red Sox, will start for New York. In that game, Schlittler pitched eight scoreless innings, allowing only five hits, striking out 12, and issuing no walks. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, plan to use a bullpen approach, without a designated opener at this time.
Fun Facts
Aaron Judge has tied David Ortiz for the most home runs in elimination games in Major League Baseball history.
Judge’s blast was his first of these playoffs, bringing his postseason total to 17.
Yankee Stadium had an attendance of 47,399 for the decisive game.
Cam Schlittler, who will start the next game, had a standout performance in his last outing, striking out 12.
The Toronto team struggled in the bullpen.
Looking Ahead
“It’s playoff baseball. We have to keep moving forward. It was a great team win. It’s exciting to see so many guys step up in important roles to get the victory,” Boone added.
On Wednesday, in Game 4, the Yankees will look to even the series and force a decisive Game 5 in Toronto on Friday. Rookie Cam Schlittler, who starred in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series against the Red Sox, will start for New York. In that game, Schlittler pitched 8.0 scoreless innings, allowing only five hits, striking out 12, and issuing no walks. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, plan to use a bullpen approach, without a designated opener as of yet.
Fun Facts
Aaron Judge has tied David Ortiz for the most home runs in elimination games in Major League Baseball history.
Judge’s home run was his first of these playoffs, bringing his postseason total to 17.
Yankee Stadium had an attendance of 47,399 for the decisive game.
Cam Schlittler, who will start the next game, had a standout performance in his last outing, striking out 12.
The Toronto team struggled in the bullpen, which contributed to their loss in this crucial game.
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