New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge broke Roger Maris’ single-season American League home run record, hitting his 62nd blast of the year in the nightcap of Tuesday’s doubleheader against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park.
The two teams split the doubleheader as New York picked up a 5-4 victory in Game 1, and Texas grabbed a 3-2 win in Game 2.
GAME 1 RECAP:
It was a back-and-forth game as each team traded leads. With the Yankees trailing 4-3 in the top of the eighth inning, Kyle Higashioka crushed his 10th home run of the season over the center-field wall to tie the game. Later in the inning, Harrison Bader delivered what would be the game-winning RBI single.
Oswald Peraza crushed his first Major League homer earlier in the contest with a solo shot. Oswaldo Cabrera smacked his sixth long ball of the season. Marwin Gonzalez chipped in with an RBI single.
Jameson Taillon struggled with his command in his final start of the regular season, allowing four runs on seven hits over six innings while walking two and striking out five.
GAME 2 RECAP:
Aaron Judge started the night with a bang as he sent his record-breaking home run over the left-field wall in the top of the first to give the Yankees an early 1-0 lead.
The lead did not last long as Adolis Garcia tied the game in the bottom of the frame with an RBI single.
Giancarlo Stanton homered for the third straight game as he smacked his 31st long ball of the season in the top of the fifth to make it 2-1, New York. Texas, once again, responded in the bottom of the frame, this time taking the lead on Leody Taveras’ two-run shot. That ended up being the difference in the game.
Gerrit Cole allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits over six innings while striking out nine.
The Yankees will try to take three of four from the Rangers on Wednesday at 4:05 p.m. in the final game of the regular season.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].