Yankees Take Series Over Red Sox, Aaron Judge Blast MLB Leading 53rd HR

Aaron Judge’s remarkable season continued as he smashed his Major League-leading 53rd home run, propelling the New York Yankees to a 5-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Sunday afternoon. This win allowed the Yankees to take three out of four games in the series and extend their lead in the AL East to three games over the Baltimore Orioles.

Judge’s Power Surge

Aaron Judge has been a powerhouse for the Yankees all season, and his 53rd home run was no exception. The towering shot came in the third inning off Red Sox pitcher Kutter Crawford, a 445-foot blast that landed in the netting above Monument Park. This home run not only showcased Judge’s incredible power but also provided a crucial two-run cushion for the Yankees early in the game.

445 ft for The Captain 🫡#ALLRISE pic.twitter.com/Fp439GPxw1

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 15, 2024

Supporting Cast Steps Up

While Judge’s home run was the highlight, the Yankees’ victory was a team effort. Gleyber Torres added to the offensive firepower with his 14th home run of the season, a solo shot that also came in the third inning. Giancarlo Stanton contributed with an RBI double and a sacrifice fly, driving in two more runs to solidify the Yankees’ lead.

Rodón’s Solid Outing

On the mound, Carlos Rodón delivered a strong performance, allowing just two runs over 5.1 innings. The only blemish on his outing was a two-run homer by Tyler O’Neill in the fourth inning. Rodón struck out five and walked two, earning his career-high 15th win of the season. His ability to limit damage and keep the Yankees in the game was crucial to their success.

Bullpen Shuts the Door

The Yankees’ bullpen was stellar, combining for 4.2 shutout innings to preserve the lead. Ian Hamilton, Tim Hill, Clay Holmes, Jake Cousins, and Tommy Kahnle all contributed to the effort. Kahnle, in particular, was impressive, securing his first save of the season and the eighth of his career. The bullpen’s performance highlighted the depth and reliability of the Yankees’ pitching staff.

Looking Ahead

With this series win, the Yankees improved to 87-63 on the season and strengthened their position atop the AL East. They now have a three-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles and are in a strong position to secure a playoff spot. The team will enjoy a day off on Monday before embarking on a six-game West Coast trip, starting with a series against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.