Aaron Judge issues stern challenge to Yankees after loss to Mets

With Gerrit Cole not pitching to his standards, the New York Yankees suffered a tough 9-7 loss to the New York Mets on Tuesday. When the Yankees next step on the diamond, Aaron Judge is looking to ensure New York doesn't make the same mistakes.

The Yankees found themselves with a six-run deficit through the first four innings. Entering the eighth, they were down 9-2. But New York rallied back and with a mammoth Judge home run, the Yankees scored five runs in the eighth to shrink the Mets' lead down to two. However, it wasn't enough as both teams didn't cross the plate in the ninth.

Judge knew that the Yankees had opportunities to make some noise, but they were unable to come through and mount the monstrous comeback. In their Wednesday matchup against the Mets, Judge is looking for New York to get back on track, via the Yes Network.

“We got to treat every inning like it's zero-zero every game,” Judge said. “It doesn't matter what happens in the first or second, we need to continue our approach. Keeping up the quality at-bats.

“We had a couple opportunities early on and we didn't capitalize,” Judge continued. “We have to show up tomorrow and come out with a win.”

With Cole on the mound, the Yankees had to like their chances of victory. However, he lasted just four innings, allowing six runs and seven hits while walking four and striking out none. Still, it was only Cole's second start of the year after an elbow injury delayed his 2024. Judge still believes in the right-hander and would have him on the mound as much as he could.

“He's our ace, that's our guy. I want him out there every single five days,” Judge said. “Games like this happen, you just got to move on, learn from it. It'll be fine.”

Even with the loss, New York still leads the AL East with their 52-29 record. But even if losses haven't come often in 2024, Aaron Judge doesn't want the Yankees' struggles to persist.

Aaron Judge pushing for second MVP 

Despite the loss, Judge played a massive role against the Mets as his three-run home run gave the team some hope. It was apart of a monster game for the outfielder as he went 2-for-5 with five RBI. As the Yankees continue to dominate – except for Tuesday – Judge has been a driving cause.

Through 79 games, Judge is hitting .304 with 29 home runs and 75 RBI. He leads the league in both of the latter categories. His batting average ranks ninth as the outfielder also leads the American League in doubles.

The offensive explosion has been no secret to Yankee fans or really any baseball fan out there. Aaron Judge has torn up the major leagues since his first full season in 2017. Over 914 games total, Judge has hit .283 with 286 home runs and 647 RBI. He's a five-time All-Star, a former Rookie of the Year and an MVP.

But Judge isn't trying to focus on the past, especially after Tuesday's outing. New York's star is only looking to the future, one he is hoping is only brighter for the Yankees.