Aaron Judge remains in a postseason slump after sitting out for a week. In the World Series opener against the Dodgers, Judge went hitless in two at-bats, striking out both times while facing starter Jack Flaherty.
Prior to the World Series, Judge had struggled, finishing 5-for-31 in the team’s series victories over the Royals and Guardians. His postseason contributions had been limited, with only late-inning home runs in Games 2 and 3 of the ALCS showing signs of life.
Judge’s fellow star, Shohei Ohtani, also started the game 0-for-2. Ohtani made an impressive connection on the first pitch from Gerrit Cole, sending it to the warning track, where Judge made the catch. Ohtani later struck out in his second at-bat, keeping the game scoreless into the fourth inning.
Despite leading the league with 58 home runs during the regular season and coming close to winning the Triple Crown, Judge has yet to make a significant impact in the playoffs. Reflecting on the journey, Judge mentioned, “The journey is always a tough one, but that’s the fun in all this. There were good times and bad times, but getting to this point, this is where the real fun starts. For years, as a kid, I’d watch the Yankees play and win the World Series. That excitement, the emotion, the city comes alive. It’s special. I look forward to doing that with this group.”