MLB Roundup: 2 Homers by Aaron Judge Help Yankees Beat Giants

Aaron Judge (32) made a significant impact in his first game at Oracle Park, launching two home runs to lead the New York Yankees to a 6-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants in the opening game of a three-game road series on Friday night. The Yankees, boosted by Judge’s stellar performance, started their West Coast trip on a high note.

The Yankees initially trailed 1-0 when Anthony Volpe and Juan Soto hit back-to-back singles off Giants starter Jordan Hicks (4-2) in the third inning. Judge, who hails from Northern California and grew up a Giants fan, followed with a three-run homer to left field, electrifying the visiting Yankees fans and putting New York ahead. This was Judge’s 15th home run of the season, demonstrating his continued prowess at the plate.

Baseball expert picks, predictions, and tips

New York continued to build on their lead later in the inning. Gleyber Torres singled, and Anthony Rizzo doubled, positioning both runners in scoring position. A passed ball by Giants catcher Patrick Bailey allowed both Torres and Rizzo to score, further extending the Yankees’ lead. Rizzo’s aggressive base running was highlighted when he scored from second base after reliever Taylor Rogers mishandled Bailey’s throw to the plate, showcasing the Yankees’ opportunistic offense.

Hicks struggled in his outing, being charged with five runs (four earned) on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings. He managed to strike out four batters without issuing any walks, but the damage inflicted by the Yankees’ lineup proved too much.

On the mound for New York, Marcus Stroman (5-2) delivered an impressive performance. He pitched 7 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out two and walking two. His effective pitching kept the Giants’ offense in check and secured the win for the Yankees.

For those looking for a detailed summary of the game, additional highlights include Judge’s second homer in the eighth inning, a solo shot to center field, capping off a remarkable night for the Yankees’ star outfielder.

Phillies 4, Cardinals 2

In Philadelphia, Edmundo Sosa’s two-run homer lifted the Phillies to a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Phillies starter Aaron Nola (7-2) was solid, allowing just three hits and two runs while striking out six and walking two over 6 1/3 innings. Jeff Hoffman closed out the game, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning to earn his fifth save.

The Cardinals’ offense was spearheaded by Brandon Crawford, who hit a home run and a single, and Nolan Arenado, who also homered. However, their efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Phillies’ pitching and timely hitting.

Marlins 8, Rangers 2

In Miami, Jesus Sanchez played a key role in the Marlins’ 8-2 victory over the Texas Rangers. Sanchez hit a three-run homer and doubled twice, leading the Marlins’ offensive charge. Nick Gordon also contributed with a two-run homer, part of a three-RBI night, as Miami continued their resurgence by winning 10 of their last 15 games following a rough start to the season.

Jake Burger and Otto Lopez added to the Marlins’ offensive firepower, each recording three hits. The Rangers, despite a ninth-inning double by Corey Seager extending his on-base streak to 23 games, couldn’t keep pace with Miami. Texas’ loss snapped their three-game winning streak and marked their 13th loss in the last 18 games.

Guardians 7, Nationals 1

In Cleveland, the Guardians extended their home winning streak to eight games with a 7-1 victory over the Washington Nationals. David Fry’s three-run homer in the seventh inning broke the game open after starter Tanner Bibee allowed just one run over 6 1/3 innings. Bibee (4-1) struck out seven and held the Nationals to three hits, showcasing his dominance on the mound.

Luis Garcia, who had three singles for the Nationals, scored their only run after Eddie Rosario’s one-out double in the seventh. The Guardians, leading 2-1 before the seventh inning, added insurance runs when Josh Naylor beat out a potential inning-ending double-play ball with the bases loaded. Fry then followed with his eighth home run of the season, sealing the win for Cleveland.

These performances across the league highlighted an exciting night of baseball, with key players stepping up to secure victories for their teams. The Yankees, Phillies, Marlins, and Guardians all benefited from standout performances, providing plenty of action and excitement for baseball fans.