The Los Angeles Angels edged closer to completing a sweep of the New York Yankees on Thursday in the Bronx, following a 3-2 victory on Wednesday. This win marked the Angels’ fourth consecutive triumph over their storied rivals, highlighted by a memorable MVP-to-MVP interaction between Mike Trout and Aaron Judge during the game.

Mike Trout Challenges Yankees Defense with Powerful Hit

In the sixth inning, Angels center fielder Mike Trout connected strongly with a 94 mph sinker from Yankees starter Ryan Yarbrough. The ball bounced off the right-field wall, narrowly missing a home run. Trout sprinted toward first base and considered advancing to second, but opted against risking an attempt due to Judge’s renowned throwing arm.

Aaron Judge’s Defensive Excellence on Display

Aaron Judge, the reigning American League MVP and an 11-time All-Star, displayed why he is regarded as one of the game’s best all-around players by fielding the ball efficiently. Known as much for his powerful bat as his defensive skills, Judge’s arm strength ranks in the 86th percentile in Major League Baseball, with an exceptional arm value in the 96th percentile, according to Baseball Savant data.

Decisive Late-Inning Rally Secures Angels’ Win

With the game tied 2-2 in the eighth inning, Trout and teammate Taylor each earned walks consecutively, followed by a bases-loaded walk to Luis Rengifo. Jo Adell then delivered a crucial ground ball that Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe mishandled, allowing Trout to score the go-ahead run and ultimately secure the victory for the Angels.

Looking Ahead: Final Game of the Series

The Angels and Yankees are set to face off once more on Thursday as Los Angeles aims to complete its second series sweep of the month. This rare MVP-to-MVP moment between Trout and Judge, coupled with the Angels’ strong performances, underscores the intensity and high stakes of this rivalry in the 2024 season.