The New York Yankees suffered another disappointing setback on Tuesday, falling 5-4 in 11 innings to the Cincinnati Reds. Despite Aaron Judge’s efforts to put the team ahead late in the game, the Yankees were unable to hold their lead amid ongoing challenges in clutch moments.
Aaron Judge scored to give New York a 4-3 lead in the top of the last inning, taking advantage of a wild pitch and a ground ball at third base. However, the team’s difficulty in converting key opportunities continued, contributing to a stretch of poor results that has seen them lose nine of their last twelve games.
When reflecting on the team’s struggles, Judge emphasized accountability across the roster.
“We got to play better. That’s it. You know, we’re not playing that great…We got to move on. We got to turn the page. We got to get to the next one…we got to figure it out. It’s on us,”
he said.
Mixed Reactions to Judge’s Performance Amid Critical Moments
The game also marked the debut of Reds pitcher Chase Burns, who struck out Judge on four pitches, including a third-strike slider that prevented Judge from extending an important at-bat. Opposing players Trent Grisham and Ben Rice were also caught off guard by Burns’ strong showing. Fans expressed frustration on social media, voicing concerns over Judge’s ability to perform under pressure.
One user on the platform X bluntly commented, “He (Aaron Judge) isn’t clutch,” while another added, “Yup absolutely pathetic.” Additional voices weighed in similarly:
“Unfortunately he doesn’t have the clutch gene,” one X user noted.
“He just can’t do it often enough. It’s not in his DNA,” one more penned.
“Guy is unbelievably cold rn,” another said.
“He hasn’t been clutch for a long time,” an X user noted.
“Insane how he can be one of the best players ever yet choke when we need him most. Unacceptable,” another wrote.
Meanwhile, Jazz Chisholm Jr. was the only player on the Yankees to record multiple hits but was ejected during the game after a heated argument with the umpire over a contentious call. Yankees manager Aaron Boone and teammate Jasson Dominguez intervened to calm Chisholm in the dugout, signaling the tense atmosphere surrounding the team’s performance.
Aaron Judge Commends Reds Rookie Pitcher’s Strong Debut
Despite the loss, Judge acknowledged the impressive debut of Cincinnati Reds rookie pitcher Chase Burns. Burns established an immediate presence on the mound, delivering 81 pitches, striking out eight, and allowing six hits while giving up three runs.
“Good young arm, man. Excited for his future. He’s running it up there to 100 miles an hour. Good feel for all his breaking pitches. It was impressive,” Judge remarked.
Judge noted that unlike many rookies who appear jittery in their first appearances, Burns maintained control and confidence throughout his outing. While Judge expressed anticipation for Burns’ development, he also recognized the frustration of losing to such a capable opponent.
The Yankees continue to grapple with their performance in high-pressure situations, highlighted by Aaron Judge’s ongoing clutch struggles. With the season progressing, the team faces mounting pressure to reverse their recent losing trend and secure wins when it matters most.