In a nail-biting contest on Tuesday night, the New York Yankees faced the Cincinnati Reds in a thrilling series opener, ultimately falling short with a 5-4 loss. The game was not without its highlights, particularly for Aaron Judge, who put on a remarkable performance that further solidified his already impressive season.
Judge, continuing his torrid pace at the plate, went 3-for-4, showcasing his prowess and consistency. His night was capped by launching his 32nd home run of the season, a significant milestone in his already illustrious career. This home run was hit on July 2, mirroring his achievement from last season when he hit his 32nd on July 16. Judge’s ability to replicate such feats speaks volumes about his exceptional talent and consistency as a power hitter.
Last season, Judge set an American League record with an astonishing 62 home runs, a testament to his power and ability to deliver in crucial moments. This season, he’s not just continuing where he left off; he’s dominating the major statistical categories. As of Tuesday night’s game, Judge leads the majors in batting average (.321), home runs (32), and RBIs (83), putting him in a prime position for a potential Triple Crown, an achievement not seen in over a decade.
The Triple Crown, a rare and prestigious accomplishment in baseball, was last achieved by Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers in 2012. Before Cabrera, the last player to win the honor was Carl Yastrzemski of the Boston Red Sox in 1967. In the National League, the feat has been even rarer, with Joe Medwick of the St. Louis Cardinals being the last to achieve it in 1937. Judge’s current standing in the statistical categories is a significant indicator of his potential to join these legendary names.
Judge’s exceptional performance is further highlighted by his on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) of 1.158, a figure that underscores his ability to get on base and hit for power. For context, Shohei Ohtani, one of the National League's top hitters, has an OPS that is over 100 points lower than Judge’s, illustrating the gap in performance between Judge and his peers.
Another noteworthy comparison can be made with Steven Kwan, who boasts a batting average of .362. However, Kwan has not yet achieved qualifying status due to missing more than three weeks with a hamstring strain. This puts Judge in a unique position, as his consistent presence on the field and performance at the plate have set him apart from other hitters in the league.
While the Yankees as a team faced a setback with their loss to the Reds, Judge’s individual performance shines as a beacon of hope and excellence. His remarkable night not only adds to his impressive stats but also serves as a reminder of his potential to make history this season.
Aaron Judge’s journey this season has been nothing short of spectacular. With each game, he continues to demonstrate why he is one of the premier players in Major League Baseball. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Judge to see if he can maintain his lead in the batting average, home runs, and RBIs, and potentially capture the elusive Triple Crown.