The New York Yankees suffered a 7-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves in their first game after the All-Star break on Friday night at Truist Park. A crucial baserunning mistake denied Aaron Judge the chance to bat with runners in scoring position, intensifying the team‘s frustrations in the series opener.
Critical Throw from Acuña Cuts Down Yankees’ Runner, Halting Momentum
In the third inning, with the Yankees down 3-0, Cody Bellinger hit a fly ball toward Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr., who delivered a precise throw to third base. This throw stopped Jorbit Vivas from reaching safely, preventing runners from advancing and signaling an important missed scoring opportunity for Aaron Judge at the plate. The play highlighted Acuña’s defensive skill and further challenged the Yankees’ attempts to mount a comeback.
Broadcast Commentators Criticize Yankees’ Lack of Effort on Basepaths
Yankees broadcasters Michael Kay and former manager Joe Girardi openly condemned the team‘s baserunning after the play during the YES Network broadcast. Girardi expressed his disappointment:
“That can’t happen. Those are little things that cost you a chance to have Aaron Judge hit with 1st and 3rd,” Girardi said.
Kay reinforced this critique, emphasizing the need for urgency on the bases:
“You just took the bat out of Aaron Judge’s hands. First of all, you’re not running hard to third, then you don’t slide. As you said, perfect word, inexcusable. The Yankees have to tighten up their baserunning. This has been going on for a month now,”
Yankees’ Third Baseman Admits Responsibility for the Basrunning Error
The Yankees tried to rally back in the seventh inning with a three-run effort, but the Braves’ bullpen held firm to secure their 7-3 victory. After the game, Jorbit Vivas accepted responsibility for the baserunning misstep that cost Judge a significant opportunity.
“He’s standing there, and it looked like he wasn’t receiving the ball at all,” Vivas said. “But that’s not on him; it’s on me there to make it to that base. Acuña has a really strong arm and he can make a throw from anywhere. That’s on me. The third baseman was standing there a little bit in the way. But it’s my fault.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone defended Vivas despite the error, highlighting the player’s dedication:
“Jorbit is a guy that plays his tail off,” Boone said. “He’s a hard-nosed player and he got caught up there. Obviously a situation that can’t happen.”
Standing in AL East, Yankees Struggle to Maintain Lead Over Blue Jays
With this defeat, New York’s record falls to 53-44 for the season, leaving them three games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East standings. The loss underlined ongoing issues in execution and highlighted the importance of fundamentals such as baserunning that could impact the Yankees’ positioning as the season advances.
As the Yankees work to sharpen their play, particularly in baserunning, the missed Aaron Judge batting opportunity serves as a reminder of how small mistakes can alter the momentum and outcome of high-stakes games.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What’s special about Aaron Judge?
A. Aaron Judge is famous for hitting lots of home runs. He has achieved three seasons with 50 or more home runs. Only five players in history have done this three times.
Q. How old was Aaron Judge adopted?
A. Aaron Judge was taken in by Patty and Wayne Judge, both of whom were teachers, the day after he was born on April 27, 1992. When he was about ten years old, he figured out he was adopted because he didn’t look like his parents.
Q. Did Aaron Judge know he was adopted?
A. At about 10 years old, he realized he was adopted because he didn’t resemble his parents. His adoption was closed, so he hasn’t communicated with his birth parents. Aaron Judge, a standout outfielder for the New York Yankees, has earned many awards since starting his MLB career in 2016.
Q. Who taught Aaron Judge to hit?
A. Richard Schenck goes by the handle @Teacherman1986 on X. He created the High Level Pattern Hitting System, used by players like Aaron Judge and others. The system is suitable for Major League Baseball, as well as for young players, both boys and girls.