Judge’s 14th homer sparks Yankees over Orioles 12-1 for sweep, 14th win in 16 games – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
New York — Aaron Judge wasted no time asserting dominance, launching his 14th home run of the season in the first inning to give the Yankees an early edge against the Baltimore Orioles. The New York captain finished with four RBIs in a lopsided 12-1 win on Monday, capping a four-game sweep and marking the team’s 14th victory in their last 16 outings. This performance extended New York’s lead in the American League standings while highlighting their offensive firepower.
Judge Ties for MLB Home Run Lead
Aaron Judge connected on a full-count knuckle-curve from Shane Baz, sending the ball into the Yankees’ bullpen in right-center for a quick 2-0 advantage. That blast marked his sixth first-inning homer this year, the most in the majors, and his 53rd career shot against Baltimore. Judge now shares the big-league lead in home runs with Chicago White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami.
His contributions did not stop there. In the eighth inning, Judge delivered a two-run single during a six-run outburst against Lou Trivino, who was making his debut for the Orioles. Among Yankees legends, Judge trails only Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle in career first-inning homers, with 91 to his name so far.
Yankees’ Offense Overwhelms Baltimore
Cody Bellinger added three RBIs to the tally, highlighted by a two-run triple off Trivino in the eighth. The Yankees, who boast the AL’s best record at 24-11, outscored the Orioles 39-10 across the series and reached a season-high 13 games above.500. New York’s bats showed no mercy in the rout.
Cam Schlittler earned the win, his third straight quality start, after surrendering just one run and seven hits over 5 2/3 innings. He issued a bases-loaded walk to Colton Cowser in the sixth but otherwise kept Baltimore in check. Schlittler unleashed 21 pitches at 100 mph or faster, surpassing his previous total from 21 big-league appearances.
Key Yankees Stats from the Series:
- 14 wins in last 16 games
- 39 runs scored vs. Orioles
- Aaron Judge: 14 HRs, leads majors in 1st-inning HRs
- Cam Schlittler: 5-1 record, 21 pitches ≥100 mph
Orioles Slump Deepens
Shane Baz took the loss after allowing six runs, five earned, in 5 2/3 innings. Baltimore, now 15-20, absorbed its fifth consecutive defeat and fell a season-worst five games below.500. Adley Rutschman went 1 for 17 in the series, grounding out to end the game.
Weston Wilson, typically an infielder-outfielder, even took the mound for the final out of the eighth amid the Yankees’ late surge. The Orioles struggled to mount any meaningful threat after the early deficit.
Next Challenges on the Horizon
The Yankees turn to right-hander Elmer Rodríguez for his second major-league start against Texas and Jacob deGrom. Meanwhile, Baltimore heads to Miami, where Chris Bassitt faces Sandy Alcantara on Tuesday.
This sweep solidifies New York’s momentum as they navigate a packed schedule. For more MLB coverage, visit AP MLB.
