NEW YORK — The New York Yankees have encountered numerous difficulties against the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS, yet Aaron Judge is exempt from such concerns. In Tuesday night’s Game 3, New York’s team leader propelled a game-evening three-run homer off the left field foul post, culminating his squad’s recovery from an initial 6-1 deficit. The Yankees successfully avoided elimination for at least an additional night and mandated a Game 4 on Wednesday (NYY 9, TOR 6).
“I believed I achieved solid contact and I thought we stood a chance,” Judge stated post-game regarding the ball remaining fair. “You simply never anticipate with the breeze, whether it will veer it foul, sustain its curve or otherwise. But I presume a few unseen allies aided in maintaining its course within the fair territory.”
The home run signified Judge’s inaugural of the 2025 postseason and further denoted his sixth career homer while his team confronted elimination, equaling Hall of Famer David Ortiz for the most in MLB history. The Yankees possess a 4-2 record in elimination contests when Judge records a deep hit.
This was a noteworthy home run achieved by a remarkable player. As per Statcast data, this represents the swiftest pitch Judge has ever converted into a homer (99.7 mph) and additionally the innermost pitch Judge has ever launched for a homer (1.2 feet). It stands as the fastest inside pitch any player has driven out of the arena since the commencement of pitch-tracker in 2008. Such a feat demands a truly exceptional player.
“You exist purely within the instant. Simply trust your sight, trust your technique.” Judge conveyed when queried about his capability to connect with that pitch. “I am confident in my capability to address any pitch within the zone. I believe the paramount factor is ensuring timely readiness. I believe everything hinges on timing. A significant portion of hitting success is attributed to precise timing.”
Blue Jays manager John Schneider articulated it more concisely: “That constituted an extraordinary swing.”
Reasons why Blue Jays’ John Schneider isn’t overly concerned with that game-altering Aaron Judge home run: ‘Acknowledge his accomplishment’
Matt Snyder
Judge has faced critique, with justifiable basis, regarding a perceived absence of substantial postseason influence throughout his career. He commenced 2025 with a .199/.313/.435 hitting record in 57 career postseason appearances, statistics markedly below his substantial regular-season output. Even throughout this postseason, Judge maintained an 8 for 18 (.444) record leading into Game 3, yet with seven singles and a limited capacity for game-defining impact.
Presently, Judge is casting off the postseason burden that has been associated with him for the preceding nine years. He achieved a 3 for 4 performance, incorporating an RBI double to narrow the Yankees’ deficit to 6-2, followed by the three-run homer to equalize Game 3. This notable performance boosted his record to .500/.577/.727 across New York’s six games during this postseason. Judge has successfully reached base 15 times while incurring merely 11 outs.
The Blue Jays exhibited sufficient apprehension to intentionally walk Judge with one out and vacant bases in the sixth inning on Tuesday, ultimately yielding an insurance run. In addition to his offensive contributions, Judge executed a diving catch, depriving Anthony Santander of at minimum a single, if not averting a run from scoring. It is uncommon for a single player to dictate the outcome of a game in this sport, yet Judge achieved this in Game 3.
“The diving catch was exceptional. An impeccable initial move,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone remarked. “Upon our return, they are poised to commence with base runners, and he promptly terminated that prospect.”
The five-run comeback shares distinction as the second-largest in Yankees postseason history, trailing only a six-run comeback during Game 4 of the 1996 World Series against the Atlanta Braves. It also ranks as the third-largest comeback in an elimination game throughout baseball history. The Yankees have upheld an undefeated record in ALDS sweeps. They showcase a 4-0 all-time record in Game 3 when trailing 2-0 in the series.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. launched his inaugural home run of the playoffs, granting the Yankees a lead they would not relinquish in the fifth inning, while five relievers effectively prevented Toronto from scoring throughout the final 6 ⅔ innings. This encompassed Devin Williams’ initial four-out appearance since May 2023. The Yankees garnered contributions spanning the entire lineup and encompassing nearly all members of the bullpen.
Judge assumed the mantle of star performer in Game 3, a necessity for the Yankees. There existed no conceivable scenario — not a single chance — for the Yankees to mandate a Game 4 without Judge exerting a discernible influence in Game 3. He needed to assume responsibility for his team’s success, a role he executes for extended durations each season. Presently, Judge has replicated this feat in October, enabling the Yankees to continue their playoff journey.
“Merely striving to fulfill my designated role, adhering to the objectives I’ve pursued throughout the year,” Judge commented. “Avoiding overextension. With a teammate on base, aiming to drive him in. In the absence of base runners, endeavoring to initiate a rally. That constitutes the full extent of our capabilities, particularly when performing before our loyal fanbase.”
