Aaron Judge reached a significant milestone on Saturday night by hitting his 39th home run in the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Despite this achievement, the occasion was dimmed when Cardinals center fielder Victor Scott II suffered a serious ankle injury during the same game.

Victor Scott II Injured While Attempting to Prevent Home Run

In the third inning, Judge unleashed a hard-hit ball headed toward the outfield wall. Victor Scott II, recognized for his defensive skills, chased the ball with determination, aiming to make a game-saving catch. Unfortunately, Scott injured his left ankle when he jammed his foot against the base of the wall, causing a sprain that forced him to leave the field immediately.

Before exiting, Scott had contributed offensively as well, recording 1 hit in 2 at-bats along with a run scored and an RBI. His early-game impact highlighted his value to the Cardinals, especially as the team has relied heavily on him in center field this season. Following Scott’s injury, Garrett Hampson stepped in to fill the center field role during the remainder of the contest.

Significance of Scott’s Role and Impact of His Injury on the Cardinals

Victor Scott II has been a cornerstone for the Cardinals, participating in 116 games this season and serving as their regular center fielder. His loss represents a major disruption both defensively and offensively, potentially forcing the team to adjust strategies to cover his absence in upcoming matches. The Cardinals now face the challenge of maintaining their lineup’s strength without Scott’s presence on the field.

Meanwhile, Aaron Judge’s milestone continued to energize the Yankees, whose celebrations contrasted with the Cardinals’ concern over Scott’s injury. The game’s dynamics shifted noticeably after the injury, as the Cardinals adapted to new defensive alignments with Hampson’s substitution, highlighting a night of mixed emotions for both teams.