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USA Today via Reuters
May 12, 2024; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) runs the bases after hitting a two run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the fifth inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-05-12T185557Z_1463178303_MT1USATODAY23256032_RTRMADP_3_MLB-NEW-YORK-YANKEES-AT-TAMPA-BAY-RAYS.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
May 12, 2024; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) runs the bases after hitting a two run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the fifth inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Yankees’ captain, Aaron Judge, isn’t just heating up; he’s launching himself into new heights every game. This time, the captain is on a tear, putting on a display of power hitting that’s left fans and analysts in awe. And there seems to be a pattern in the way he works.
Just last night, Judge continued his dominance at Petco Park, launching a mammoth two-run homer against the Padres. This wasn’t just any home run; it was a 429-foot blast that cleared the second deck in left-center. It marked his fourth consecutive game with a homer, extending his MLB-leading total to 17.
Aaron Judge impresses the world yet again
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This is not a one-week miracle. Over the last 18 games, Judge has been an offensive juggernaut. He’s batting a scorching. 417 with 18 RBI and a staggering 10 doubles. His overall slash line for the season is a robust .275/.411/.619, showcasing his ability to get on base, hit for power, and drive in runs.
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On one hand, there’s no way that Judge is the headliner. On the other hand, it’s important to acknowledge the Yankees’ overall offensive surge. They’ve hit a collective five home runs in the series against the Padres, with Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres chipping in key RBIs. This potent offense is a major reason behind the Yankees’ current four-game winning streak and 11 wins in their last 13 contests.
The opposing pitchers are starting to sweat every time Judge steps to the plate. Manager Aaron Boone could not help but marvel, calling Judge’s performance “what the greats do from time to time.” Even teammate Marcus Stroman acknowledged witnessing greatness, saying, “This is something I’ll be sitting with my grandkids…saying I got the opportunity to play with Aaron Judge.”
The Yankees are looking ahead to a championship run
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With All Rise leading the charge, the Yankees are a team on a mission. Their pitching staff has been equally impressive, with starters throwing at least five innings and allowing two or fewer runs in a remarkable 13 straight games. The return of Gerrit Cole, possibly in June, will only further bolster their pitching prowess.
Aaron Judge’s historic tear has injected the Yankees with a winning mentality. Not to mention the prospect of Juan Soto being a part of the Yankees for the long term (if and when). With a balanced offense and a lights-out pitching staff, the Bronx Bombers are looking like a serious threat in the fight for a World Series title in 2024.