The New York Yankees are set to clash with the Chicago Cubs in a pivotal weekend series that will bring the first half of the season to a close. Some might even consider this a potential sneak peek at the World Series. The Yankees initiated the series emphatically, securing an 11-0 victory in Friday’s opening game. It’s a significant feat to divert attention from Carlos Rodón’s eight innings of scoreless pitching and Cody Bellinger’s remarkable three-home run performance, but Aaron Judge might have accomplished just that — though not in the manner one might anticipate.
Judge truly shined on Friday, delivering a series of noteworthy plays, not with his bat, which is typically expected from a hitter of his caliber, but rather with his glove. The first, and most striking, instance occurred in the fourth inning. With the Yankees leading 3-0, Cubs All-Star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a 1-1 fastball from Rodón towards the short right-field porch. Unfortunately for PCA, Judge was alert and ready.
This play featured the AL MVP candidate denying one of the leading contenders for the NL MVP award. Statcast measured PCA’s hit at 327 feet, sufficient to clear the wall at that spot. However, the 6-foot-7 Judge intervened. That could have been PCA’s 26th home run of the season.
While discussing impressive catches in right field, here’s Kyle Tucker denying the previously mentioned Mr. Bellinger.
Had the ball landed, Bellinger would have matched a record with a four-homer game in his initial appearance against the Cubs since being traded to the Yankees this past winter. Instead, he settled for a “mere” three-homer revenge game, causing the focus to shift towards Judge.
Continuing with Judge’s contributions, he wasn’t finished. Immediately following, Dansby Swanson hit a sharp liner into right field, leading to another exceptional play by Judge, albeit of a different nature.
Based on its launch angle and exit velocity, Swanson’s liner had a .910 expected batting average. However, thanks to Judge’s impressive range and catch, it resulted in the third out of the inning.
Moving ahead to the eighth inning, Tucker, with two runners on base, lifted a ball towards the corner in right. Yet again, Judge asserted his dominance in that territory.
Judge is, of course, more than simply the most formidable power hitter of his generation. He is also a surprisingly athletic player who has consistently demonstrated his defensive prowess in right field this season. He certainly reminded everyone of that on Friday.
