Inside The Pinstripes

Aaron Judge Delivers Go-Ahead Hit in Extras to Beat Rays

New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge came off the bench, delivering a go-ahead RBI single in the 10th inning to beat the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field

Max Goodman

ST. PETERSBURG — Hours after he was scratched from the starting lineup, Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge delivered a go-ahead base hit in extra innings, the decisive blow in a 3-1 Yankees victory over the Rays.

Judge appeared midway through the game in the visitor's dugout at Tropicana Field, entering the game as a pinch-hitter in the fifth inning. The slugger punched out in both of his first two at-bats, but when it was his turn in the 10th inning with two runners on, he got the job done. 

A bouncing ball through the middle skipped off the end of Rays shortstop Wander Franco's glove, skipping into shallow center field. That allowed Gio Urshela to scamper home from second base as New York took a 2-1 lead. 

After Tampa Bay's Pete Fairbanks left the game with an injury following Judge's at-bat, Andrew Kittredge's second pitch to DJ LeMahieu was ticketed for the backstop, allowing Greg Allen to score from third without a play. 

Following the victory both Judge and his manager explained that the right fielder was undergoing tests off-site and was delayed in getting back to the ballpark before first pitch. 

As much as the doctors appointment were frustrating and put a wrench in things, Judge was able to make his presence felt once he was able to suit up and take the field. 

"Better late than never," Judge said. "Excited I was able to get here when I did, come into the game, help out the team late there in the 10th."

With a two-run cushion, Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman struck out two in the bottom half of the 10th, earning his 20th save of the season. It's his second scoreless inning and save in as many nights after an impressive ninth inning on Tuesday evening.

The victory gives New York a series win, taking the first two in a three-game set fresh off a disappointing and demoralizing performance in Boston against the Red Sox. They'll look for the series sweep on Thursday afternoon with ace Gerrit Cole on the mound. 

A win over their division rivals also makes New York's trade for Joey Gallo taste even sweeter. The Yankees are reportedly set to acquire the slugger from the Texas Rangers in a massive blockbuster deal, although neither team has officially announced the transaction yet. News of the trade broke early on during Wednesday night's game. 

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Yankees for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. Goodman has been on the Yankees beat for three seasons. He is also the publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Jets site, Jets Country. Before starting Inside The Pinstripes, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. At school, Goodman was an anchor and reporter with NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. While at Northwestern, Goodman interned with MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman. You can connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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