Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge hit his third walk-off home run of the season on Thursday night to lead New York to a 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Judge’s home run doubled as his in the majors – 39th of the campaign.
Judge’s home run came in the bottom of the ninth against Royals closer Scott Barlow with one out. According to Statcast, the blast left the bat traveling at 109.6 mph and carried an estimated 431 feet. Here’s a look at the home run in all its animated glory:
Judge’s three walk-off home runs tied him with Mickey Mantle (1959) for the most in Yankees franchise history. According to research by Sarah Langs of MLB.com. If the scope is expanded to include the postseason, Tommy Hinrich also delivered three in 1949. As of August 1, Judge has the third-most home runs in Yankees franchise history. Here are the top five, courtesy of MLB Network:
- Babe Ruth, 41, 1928
- Roger Mars, 40, 1961
- Aaron Judge, 39, 2022
- Mickey Mantle, 39, 1961
- Babe Ruth, 38, 1921
Judge entered Thursday with 38 home runs, seven more than Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber. No other major league hitter had more than 30 home runs. (Verdon Alvarez of the Houston Astros was third with 29.) Judge’s home run Thursday tied his 2021 season total, and he did so in more than 50 fewer games. He had a career-best 52 runs scored in 2017, his rookie season.
The Royals, for their part, can at least take solace in the performance of starter Brady Singer. He struck out 10 batters in seven shutout innings, surrendering one hit and one walk over 99 pitches. Singer has now recorded a quality start in four consecutive outings and lowered his ERA to 3.51.
