In a recent game between the New York Mets and the New York Yankees, the Mets employed a clever pitching strategy against the sizzling slugger, Aaron Judge. Their plan was to pitch around Judge, intentionally walking him to make someone else beat them. This tactic paid off in a 3-2 victory at Yankee Stadium, marking the Mets’ third win of the season against their cross-town rivals. The Mets intentionally walked Judge in each of his first four plate appearances, leaving him stranded each time before striking out in the ninth inning. This was the fourth time in Judge’s career that he had been walked four times in a game, with the last occurrence happening in 2024.
Judge, known for his impressive batting statistics, including a .309 batting average, 35 home runs, and a 1.114 OPS, was a significant threat to the Mets. With his 79 walks this season ranking second in the majors, it was clear that the Mets had to be cautious when facing him. Despite having a decent record against Mets starter Jose Quintana, Judge struggled to make an impact in the game. He saw 14 pitches in his three plate appearances against Quintana, with only two of those pitches being strikes.
As the Mets intentionally walked Judge to face other batters, the pressure fell on first baseman J.D. Davis to deliver for the Yankees. Davis, who was batting cleanup in the lineup, failed to capitalize on the opportunity. He struck out twice and grounded into a double play in crucial moments, preventing the Yankees from scoring runs. Manager Aaron Boone expressed the need for the middle of the lineup to be more settled, emphasizing the importance of production from players like Davis in the absence of Giancarlo Stanton.
The Mets’ decision to intentionally walk Judge with first base open in the seventh inning to face pinch-hitter Ben Rice showcased their defensive mindset. Despite Rice putting up a fight during an eight-pitch at-bat, he ultimately flied out, and the threat was extinguished. This move by the Mets highlighted their confidence in their pitching staff to handle the situation, even with the dangerous Judge looming at the plate.
Judge, while frustrated by the intentional walks, understood the strategic nature of the game. He acknowledged that it was all part of playing a team sport and emphasized the importance of winning as a collective effort. Despite the challenges he faced in the game, including a crucial strikeout in the ninth inning, Judge remained resilient and focused on being prepared for any situation that arose.
The Mets’ pitching strategy against Aaron Judge proved to be effective in neutralizing one of the Yankees’ most potent offensive weapons. By pitching around Judge and forcing other players to step up, the Mets secured a crucial victory and continued their dominance over their crosstown rivals. This game serves as a testament to the importance of strategic planning and adaptability in the world of professional baseball.