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 putting the Yankees on top with his 14th home run of the season, delivering a four-RBI performance that propelled New York to a decisive 12-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. The win completed a four-game sweep and marked the Yankees’ 14th triumph in their last 16 outings. New York outscored Baltimore 39-10 across the series, showcasing their dominance in the American League.
Judge Delivers Game-Changing Blows
Aaron Judge connected on a hanging full-count knuckle-curve from Shane Baz in the first inning, sending it into the Yankees bullpen in right-center for an early 2-0 advantage. That blast tied him with Chicago White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami for the major league lead in home runs. Judge added a two-run single during a six-run eighth inning off Lou Trivino, who was making his debut for the Orioles.
The three-time AL MVP now leads the majors with six first-inning homers this season and has tallied 91 for his career, second only to Babe Ruth’s 126 and Mickey Mantle’s 103 among Yankees legends. Against the Orioles specifically, this was Judge’s 53rd homer in 124 games, underscoring his prowess in these matchups.
Strong Pitching Anchors Yankees’ Rout
Cam Schlittler earned the win, his third straight in starts, 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, which forced in Baltimore’s lone run. Schlittler unleashed 21 pitches at 100 mph or faster, surpassing his previous total from 21 big league starts combined.
Shane Baz took the loss for Baltimore, allowing six runs – five earned – in 5 2/3 innings. The Orioles turned to infielder-outfielder Weston Wilson to close out the eighth, but New York continued to pour it on. Cody Bellinger contributed three RBIs, highlighted by a two-run triple against Trivino.
Sweep Solidifies Yankees’ AL Lead
With the victory, the Yankees improved to 24-11, reaching a season-high 13 games above.500 and holding the best record in the American League. Baltimore dropped to 15-20, five games under.500 for the first time this year and enduring a fifth consecutive defeat. Adley Rutschman went 1 for 17 in the series, capping a tough stretch for the Orioles.
Key Series Stats:
– Yankees outscored Orioles 39-10 over four games
– New York’s 14 wins in 16 games
– Judge’s MLB-leading 14 homers
Next Challenges on the Horizon
The Yankees now turn to right-hander Elmer Rodríguez, who will make his second big league start against Texas and Jacob deGrom. Baltimore heads to Miami, where Chris Bassitt faces Sandy Alcantara on Tuesday. Both teams carry momentum – or lessons – from this lopsided series into their upcoming schedules.
New York’s sweep reinforces their early-season command, while the Orioles seek stability after the skid. For more MLB coverage, visit AP MLB.
