Judge go-ahead grand slam/ Judge breaks homer slump/ Yankees Judge grand slam/ Newslooks/ NEW YORK/ Aaron Judge snapped the longest home run drought of his career with a go-ahead grand slam in the seventh inning, leading the New York Yankees to a 5-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox. Judge’s homer, his 52nd of the season, ended a 16-game, 75-plate-appearance drought and extended the Yankees’ AL East lead to three games.
Aaron Judge Breaks Homer Drought: Quick Looks
- Go-Ahead Grand Slam: Judge hit a seventh-inning grand slam, giving the Yankees a 5-4 lead.
- Homerless Streak Ends: Judge snapped a career-long 16-game, 75-plate-appearance homer drought.
- Yankees Win: New York’s victory over Boston extends their AL East lead to three games.
- MVP Campaign: Judge now has 52 home runs and leads MLB with 130 RBIs, strengthening his AL MVP candidacy.
Judge’s Grand Slam Lifts Yankees Over Red Sox, Ends 16-Game Homerless Streak
Deep Look
Aaron Judge delivered a thrilling moment at Yankee Stadium on Friday night, breaking the longest home run drought of his career with a go-ahead grand slam that propelled the New York Yankees to a 5-4 win over the rival Boston Red Sox. After going 16 games and 75 plate appearances without hitting a homer, Judge crushed a fastball from Boston reliever Cam Booser into the left-field seats, giving the Yankees a decisive lead in the seventh inning.
“I didn’t really know it had been 16 games,” Judge said after the game. “I don’t focus on hitting homers. I’ve got a job to do.” The clutch blast sent the Yankee Stadium crowd of 45,292 into a frenzy, and Judge’s teammates were equally jubilant, dancing and celebrating in the dugout. The 6-foot-7 slugger emerged for a well-deserved curtain call, basking in the energy of the moment.
It was the 52nd home run of the season for Judge, who also leads the majors with 130 RBIs, continuing his pursuit of a second AL MVP award in three years. He hadn’t homered since August 25, when he hit two against the Colorado Rockies. Judge had been in a red-hot stretch before his slump, belting nine homers in 10 games prior to the drought.
Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt, who allowed four runs over six innings, expressed disbelief at Judge’s claim that he wasn’t aware of his homerless streak. “He’s very aware of stuff like that, I think,” Schmidt said with a smile. “But you guys can decide for yourselves.”
The dramatic moment unfolded with the Yankees trailing 4-1 entering the seventh inning. After Judge’s slam, the Yankees took a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The victory extended New York’s lead in the AL East to three games over the Baltimore Orioles, with just 14 games remaining in the regular season.
Judge’s grand slam was his eighth career slam and second of the season, and it came at the perfect time as the Yankees continue their playoff push. For the reigning AL MVP, the focus remains on contributing to his team’s success, even as individual milestones pile up. “Sixteen games, is that a lot? I guess,” Judge said, downplaying the significance of the streak. “At some point in my career, I’ll probably have a longer drought.”
With his power back in full swing, Judge remains a pivotal figure as the Yankees head into the final stretch of the season, eyeing the playoffs and another potential MVP trophy for their star outfielder.
