“Judge’s Power Play: Aaron’s Homers Help Chisholm Smash One Out, Yankees Soar in Phillies Rout”
Aaron Judge isn’t just setting records for home runs—he’s also elevating his teammates’ game. In Monday’s dominant 14-4 victory over the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, Judge belted two home runs and even handed his bat over to new teammate Jazz Chisholm Jr. for a unique twist.
Chisholm, taking Judge’s bat for the top of the ninth against Phillies catcher Garrett Stubbs, smacked his own homer, giving Judge his 39th home run of the season and Judge’s bat its 40th. Chisholm, who admitted he had never faced a position player on the mound before, joked about the bat’s heft. “I told him I was either going up there right-handed or using his bat,” said Chisholm, who was pleased with the outcome.
Judge, who hit a solo shot in the first inning and a two-run blast in the seventh, quipped that he should get credit for half of Chisholm’s home run. Despite his impressive performance, Judge was frustrated by his three strikeouts, though his overall contribution left manager Aaron Boone in awe.
Boone praised Judge and his ability to handle tough pitches. “It’s amazing what he and Juan Soto are doing together,” Boone said. Soto added to the show with two doubles, and together with Judge, they combined for four extra-base hits and six RBIs. Their performances highlight the importance of Tuesday’s trade deadline for the Yankees, as Soto will hit free agency after just one season with Judge.
Chisholm, who’s witnessing Judge’s work ethic up close for the first time, is soaking in every moment. “To see what he does and how he works is incredible,” Chisholm said. He’s especially impressed by Judge’s preparation and approach to hitting, which extends beyond just the highlight-reel homers.
Not only is Jazz Chisholm settling with the Yankees very comfortably at third base and offensively, having Giancarlo Stanton back in the lineup is very exciting and relieving for the Yankees. The Yankees are 53-27 this year with Stanton and 10-18 without Stanton who was having a great year for this Yankees lineup, hopefully this will turn the Yankees around after winning three straight games for the first time since June 11th.
