The New York Yankees faced a tough loss in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series on Friday night. They let a 3-2 lead slip away in the 10th inning when Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off grand slam for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Aaron Judge’s postseason struggles continued, and it got so bad that the Dodgers chose to intentionally walk Juan Soto to pitch to Judge instead. On Friday night, Judge went 1 for 5 with three strikeouts and just one single, slightly improving his playoff batting average from .161/.317/.387 over 31 at-bats.
During the ninth inning, after Michael Kopech gave up a double to Gleyber Torres, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had Soto walked intentionally. Blake Treinen then took over pitching duties against Judge and managed to get him to pop up, keeping the game tied at two runs apiece through nine innings.
Aaron Judge pops up to end the inning!
The decision to intentionally walk Juan Soto pays off for the Dodgers!
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX)
“It’s never easy,” Roberts commented about walking Soto. “I think Aaron Boone might feel similar if he had walked Mookie Betts to pitch to Freeman instead. You have faith in your strategy and hope it works out.”
Lineup Changes?
Judge’s difficulties have sparked questions about whether Boone should change the batting order by swapping him with Giancarlo Stanton, who hit another home run in Game 1. Boone simply said: “No. No.” Fans might wonder if this decision will help or hurt their chances.
Despite his current slump, Judge is expected to win the American League MVP Award after an incredible regular season where he batted .322/.458/.701 with 58 homers and was worth an estimated 10.8 Wins Above Replacement.
However, postseason hasn’t been kind to him as he’s been swinging at more pitches outside the strike zone than usual. The Yankees are hoping he can find his form again starting Saturday night in Game 2; otherwise, they may face more questions about lineup changes or how they’ll escape being down two games.
What do you think? Can Judge bounce back?
