Mets Strategically Walk Judge to Secure Victory Over Yankees
- In a recent matchup, the Mets employed a strategic approach, intentionally walking Aaron Judge multiple times to minimize his impact.
- This marked the fourth time in Judge's career that he had been walked four times in a game.
- The tactic raises questions about the effectiveness of Judge's support team and overall Yankee performance.
NEW YORK – In a calculated move, the New York Mets opted to pitch around Aaron Judge during their game against the Yankees on Tuesday, resulting in a 3-2 victory at Yankee Stadium. This win marked the Mets' third consecutive triumph over their cross-town rivals this season, setting them up for a potential sweep in the series finale on Wednesday. The strategy involved walking Judge in all four of his plate appearances, including an intentional walk, effectively neutralizing the slugger's impact on the game. Judge, who has been a dominant force this season with 79 walks—second in the majors—was left stranded each time he reached base. The Mets' starter, Jose Quintana, faced Judge three times, with the latter seeing a total of 14 pitches but managing only a strikeout in the ninth inning. This marked the fourth occasion in Judge's career where he was walked four times in a single game, and the second time this season. Despite the Mets' strategy, Judge expressed his determination to be ready for any challenges. In the ninth inning, with left-hander Jake Diekman on the mound, the Mets finally pitched to Judge after teammate Juan Soto walked. However, Judge could not capitalize, ultimately grounding out to end the game and leaving Soto stranded on base. The Mets' approach to Judge highlights their tactical mindset and ability to adapt during crucial moments, contributing to their successful season against the Yankees thus far.