WASHINGTON – In a display of exceptional defensive skill, Aaron Judge showcased his versatility on the field during Monday night’s game against the Nationals. While he did not hit a home run himself, Judge prevented the opposing team from doing so with a spectacular catch that turned a potential home run into a double play, ultimately contributing to the Yankees’ 5-2 victory in the series opener at Nationals Park.
Despite maintaining his home run tally at 51, Judge’s defensive prowess earned him accolades as he robbed former Yankees prospect Andres Chaparro of a home run and went on to double off James Wood at first base. This remarkable play only added to Judge’s impressive season, solidifying his candidacy for the AL MVP title.
The evening also marked a significant milestone for Judge as he notched his 1,000th career hit with a single hit. The Yankees, with solo home runs from Gleyber Torres, Austin Wells, and Jazz Chisholm Jr., secured their fifth win in the last six games, maintaining their position with the best record in the American League and extending their lead in the AL East race.
Supporting Judge’s standout performance, Anthony Volpe contributed a three-hit game and scored twice on sacrifice flies from DJ LeMahieu. Pitcher Nestor Cortes played a pivotal role in limiting the Nationals to just one run over 6 ²/₃ innings, aided by strong defensive plays from Alex Verdugo and Wells.
Cortes carried a shutout into the seventh inning before Juan Yepez managed to break through with a solo home run. The left-hander’s streak of 20 ¹/₃ consecutive scoreless innings demonstrated his resilience and skill as the Yankees advance further into the season towards the playoffs.
During the game, Torres and Wells added to the Yankees’ lead with impressive home runs, while Volpe’s strong base running set up critical scoring opportunities. Chisholm’s late home run further solidified the Yankees’ victory, as Leiter Jr. and Holmes closed out the game effectively to secure the win for the team.