### Judge’s Home Run Ignites Yankees in Crucial Game
**NEW YORK** — The New York Yankees faced significant challenges against the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS, but Aaron Judge stepped up as a standout performer. In Game 3 on Tuesday night, the team captain launched a pivotal three-run homer off the left-field foul pole, tying the game after the Yankees found themselves trailing 6-1. This vital win pushed back their elimination, setting the stage for a Game 4 on Wednesday (Yankees 9, Blue Jays 6).
“I felt I made solid contact and was cautiously optimistic,” Judge reflected on his home run after the game. “You never really know how the wind will play with it, whether it will curve or drift foul. But maybe the ghosts of Yankee Stadium helped keep it fair!”
This home run marked Judge’s first of the 2025 postseason, making it his sixth career homer in an elimination game—tying him with Hall of Famer David Ortiz for the most in MLB history. Notably, when Judge steps up in elimination games, the Yankees have a strong record of 4-2.
Judge’s home run was remarkable in more ways than one. According to Statcast, it was hit off the fastest pitch he’s ever connected with for a home run, registering at 99.7 mph. Furthermore, it was the furthest inside pitch he’s ever launched out, just 1.2 feet from the inner edge. This home run is also the fastest inside pitch hit for a home run since pitch tracking began in 2008.
“When you’re in the moment, you have to trust your instincts and your swing,” Judge shared about his connection with the pitch. “I believe I can handle any pitch in the strike zone. Timing is essential; that’s what hitting is all about.”
Blue Jays manager John Schneider was quick to praise Judge’s performance. “That was an incredible swing,” he remarked succinctly.
Throughout his career, Judge has faced scrutiny over his postseason contributions. Heading into 2025, his postseason batting average stood at a modest .199/.313/.435 across 57 games, which pales in comparison to his impressive regular-season stats. Before Game 3, he had a solid 8 for 18 showing with a .444 average, mainly accumulating singles without any standout moments. However, Judge is now rewriting the narrative that’s followed him for almost a decade. He finished Game 3 with an impressive 3 for 4 performance, including an RBI double and the game-tying home run, boosting his postseason line to .500/.577/.727 over six games. He has reached base 15 times with just 11 outs.
The Blue Jays even opted to intentionally walk Judge with one out and no runners on in the sixth inning, which led to an insurance run for the Yankees. In addition to his offensive prowess, Judge delivered a remarkable diving catch that thwarted a potential hit from Blue Jays’ Anthony Santander, further showcasing his all-around skills.
It’s rare for one player to dominate the game, but Judge managed to do just that in Game 3. “The diving catch was phenomenal—a perfect jump,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Just when we gained momentum, he shut down their chances of building on that.”
The Yankees’ five-run comeback tied for the second largest in their postseason history, following only a six-run rally in Game 4 of the 1996 World Series against the Atlanta Braves. This comeback also ranks as the third-largest in baseball history during an elimination game. Remarkably, the Yankees have never been swept in the ALDS and have a 4-0 record in Game 3 when trailing 2-0 in a series. Jazz Chisholm Jr. added a crucial home run in the fifth inning, putting the Yankees ahead for good. Five relievers excelled in keeping Toronto scoreless over the last 6⅔ innings, including Devin Williams, who made his first four-out appearance since May 2023. The combined efforts of the lineup and bullpen secured the win, but it was Judge who truly shined, essential for the Yankees’ push for a Game 4.
“I’m just focused on doing my job,” Judge said. “I’m not trying to overdo it. If there’s someone on base, I aim to drive them home. If not, I work to get a rally going. That’s what it’s all about, especially in front of our fans.”
With that mindset and performance, the Yankees have ensured at least one more game in their quest for postseason glory.
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