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Aaron Judge struck out four times, and yet the New York Yankees were still able to come away with a 7-0 victory against the San Francisco Giants on Opening Day on Wednesday.
The reigning back-to-back American League MVP had a dismal start to the 2026 season. He finished the game 0-for-5. It was the first time Judge had ever been hitless on Opening Day.
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New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) looks at his bat between pitches against the San Francisco Giants in the sixth inning at Oracle Park on March 25, 2026. (Cary Edmondson/Imagn Images)
Fortunately for the Bronx Bombers, Trent Grisham and Ryan McMahon each had two RBI and Max Fried allowed just two hits while striking out four.
Opta Stats noted that the Yankees made history despite Judge’s rough play.
“The Yankees are the first team in MLB history to post a shutout win despite the reigning MVP striking out 4+ times (in any game, Opening Day or not),” the data firm wrote on X.
Judge struck out swinging in the first against Logan Webb, took a called third strike in the second inning, struck out on an error in the fourth and struck out in the sixth.
YANKEES LEGEND THINKS ABOUT TEAM RUNNING BACKS LAST SEASON’S SQUAD, AARON JUDGE’S CLUTCH FACTOR
New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge walks to the dugout after striking out during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
He had not hit four in a game since a five-strikeout game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 28, 2024.
“It was a little bit of everybody tonight being able to be a part of it,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “A night where we didn’t hit the ball out of the ballpark, but just a lot of good pressure at bats, I thought. Good night to us. I think we can beat you in a lot of different ways.”
Judge has three AL MVPs to his name and was headed for a homecoming of sorts when he entered Oracle Park. He grew up in Linden, Calif., and went to Fresno State before later being drafted by the Yankees.
New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge waits to bat during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
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The Giants competed to sign Judge two years ago when the brooding outfielder hit free agency. He ended up signing with the Yankees on a nine-year, $360 million deal, ultimately rejecting San Francisco.
