Judge’s first homer since May 24 helps clinch postseason berth for Yankees in 8-3 win at Twins
Judge had been 3 for 20 with 11 strikeouts since returning last week after missing 84 games because of a fractured rib.
On a night New York Yankees secured their 61st postseason berth and ninth in 10 seasons, Aaron Judge delivered a crucial three-run home run in the eighth inning that clinched their win against Minnesota Twins. The Yankees' star player had been 3 for 20 with 11 strikeouts since returning from 84 games absence due to a fractured rib.
Judge's monumental hit was a cutter from A.J. Minter that traveled 415 feet into the second deck in left field, marking his 18th home run of the season and the first since May 24. The Yankees' victory put them 24 games above .500, and they currently trail AL East-leading Tampa Bay by 3 1/2 games. However, the Twins, currently losing eight of their last 11, have lost ground in postseason contention.
José Caballero and Emmanuel Rodriguez contributed to the Twins' efforts with a go-ahead homer and a two-run triple, respectively. Ben Rice added a two-run bloop single, and after Cody Bellinger's infield single, it was Judge who silenced the crowd with his powerful drive. Austin Wells also contributed a ninth-inning homer. Minnesota's Dean Kremer managed to hold New York scoreless in a 5 2/3 innings of relief, earning his second save. New York starter Will Warren and Minnesota's Bailey Ober are set to face off in the next game.
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