John Smoltz (MLB Network analyst): “Aaron Judge is the complete package. Not only does he have the power, but he plays the game the right way, with class and humility. He’s the kind of player you build a franchise around.”
Buster Olney (ESPN): “Judge has the rare combination of size, skill, and poise. He’s a leader on and off the field and the face of the Yankees’ future.”
Yankees starting pitcher Marcus Stroman had a rough start in the first inning against the Rockies, throwing 31 pitches, while third baseman Jazz Chisholm struggled defensively with two errors—first a bad throw to first and then mishandling a routine groundball. These miscues allowed the Rockies to score an early run, giving them a brief momentum in the final game of the weekend series.
Aaron Judge Shines with Two Homers as Yankees Crush Rockies 10-3 https://t.co/9GIhufmKGB pic.twitter.com/6Peyb2oy7m
— Editorialge (@editorialge) August 26, 2024
However, the Yankees quickly turned the game around thanks to their star slugger, Aaron Judge. In the bottom of the first, after Drew Romo, the Rockies’ starter, walked Gleyber Torres on five pitches and Juan Soto flied out to center, Judge stepped up to the plate and launched a towering home run over the left-center field wall. This marked his 50th home run of the season and gave the Yankees a 2-1 lead.
Judge wasn’t done yet. He homered again later in the game, helping the Yankees cruise to a 10-3 victory. His first home run was historic, marking the third time in his career he reached the 50-homer mark. Judge previously hit 52 homers in his rookie year in 2017 and set a record with 62 in 2022. Only four other players—Babe Ruth, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Alex Rodriguez—have managed to hit 50 home runs in a season three times or more.
The Yankees extended their lead significantly in the sixth inning, going back-to-back-to-back against the Rockies. With Rockies rookie reliever Jeff Criswell on the mound, Juan Soto began the barrage with a solo shot to right-center for his 37th homer of the season. Aaron Judge followed with his second home run of the afternoon, his seventh in the last six games and ninth in the last ten. He’s now on pace to break his own home run record with a projected 63 homers for the season.
2017 Immaculate Gold Aaron Judge RPA RC Rookie Dual Patch AUTO 13/25 Yankees #ad #thehobby https://t.co/o0TiyN9gH2 pic.twitter.com/pcPSCwPS9A
— Nothing But Cards (@nothingbutcard) August 26, 2024
This offensive explosion highlighted the Yankees’ potent lineup and provided a comfortable cushion for the rest of the game, sealing a decisive win over the Rockies.
More…
- Ken Rosenthal (Fox Sports): “Aaron Judge’s presence in the lineup changes the entire dynamic of the game. Pitchers are forced to approach every at-bat differently when he’s up.”
- Michael Kay (Yankees broadcaster): “Watching Aaron Judge is like watching a giant among men. His impact on the field is immense, and his humility off the field makes him even more special.”
- Alex Rodriguez (former MLB player, now analyst): “Judge is not just a power hitter; he’s a student of the game. His work ethic and dedication are what make him one of the best in the league.”
Key Points:
- Stroman’s Shaky Start: Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman struggled in the first inning, throwing 31 pitches, while Jazz Chisholm committed two errors, allowing the Rockies an early lead.
- Judge’s 50th Homer: Aaron Judge hit his 50th home run of the season in the first inning, quickly shifting momentum in favor of the Yankees.
- Historic Achievement: Judge’s 50th home run marks the third time in his career he’s reached this milestone, joining an elite group of sluggers who have done so three or more times.
- Sixth-Inning Power Surge: The Yankees went back-to-back-to-back in the sixth inning, with homers from Juan Soto and two from Judge, extending their lead.
- Yankees’ Dominant Win: The Yankees defeated the Rockies 10-3, powered by Judge’s two homers and a strong offensive showing from the lineup.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
