The New York Yankees absolutely demolished the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday, 16-0. In the win, the Yankees hit six home runs from six different players. One of those players was MVP front runner Aaron Judge. Judge took Pirates reliever Manny Banuelos deep for a grand slam in the eighth inning. It was Judge's 30th home run of the season, leading the major leagues.
In the process, the Yankees slugger became the first hitter since Barry Bonds in 2003 to hit at least 30 home runs before the All-Star break twice. He's also only the sixth player to ever do that since the first All-Star game was held in 1933.
Aaron Judge is the 6th player to hit 30 HR before the All-Star Break in multiple seasons since the All-Star game was first held in 1933.
He's the first Yankee to do it and the first player to do so for a second time since Barry Bonds in 2003. pic.twitter.com/CxCAcnuAN6
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 7, 2022
Judge is on pace for 59 home runs so far this season. He is the clear leader in the clubhouse for American League MVP this season as the All-Star Game approaches. Judge is hitting .287 with 64 RBI's and seven stolen bases.
The Yankees at one time were on a historic pace. Despite having slipped up a bit lately, the Yankees still hold a massive 14-game lead over the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East. Only the Houston Astros are within striking distance for home-field advantage. Houston is 5.5 games back.
Judge is not the only one hitting bombs for New York. Anthony Rizzo is second on the team with 22 home runs. Giancarlo Stanton now has 21 home runs after going deep Wednesday. The Yankees run differential of +175 is miles ahead of every other team in the American League. As great as their hitting has been, their pitching has been ever better.
The Yankees starting rotation of Gerrit Cole, Jordan Montgomery, Jameson Taillon, Nestor Cortes and Luis Severino has been the best in baseball.
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