New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is kind of like the Hulk, you wouldn’t like him when he’s angry. One Boston Red Sox rookie pitcher found that out the hard way during Sunday’s game.
In his first at-bat Sunday night, Judge smacked a solo home run against Red Sox starter Hunter Dobbins. It was an 108.6 mph blast to right center that traveled 436 feet. And Judge probably felt a little extra satisfaction after he hit it.
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Prior to the contest, Dobbins caught some attention after saying he would rather retire than play for the Yankees. Dobbins, whose father is a die-hard Red Sox fan, said he was really looking forward to playing against the Yankees, and that if New York was “the last team to give me a contract, I’d retire,” per the Boston Herald.
Those comments made it over to the Yankees’ clubhouse before the contest, and some players took exception to them. Following the game, Judge said he was “surprised” when he was informed about Dobbins’ comments, per ESPN.
“I’ve only heard Ken Griffey say that, so I was a little surprised,” Judge said.
Griffey made similar comments during his playing career. The Hall of Famer held a grudge against the Yankees after the way the team treated him when his father — Ken Griffey Sr. — played for the franchise.
Griffey made those comments in the midst of a Hall of Fame career. Dobbins made them prior to appearing in his 10th game in the majors. After hearing what Dobbins had to say about the Yankees, Judge admitted he was thinking about those comments when he stepped into the batter’s box Sunday, per ESPN.
“Well, once somebody tells you, yeah,” Judge said.
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That may have given Judge a little extra motivation prior to his home run.
While Judge won the first battle against Dobbins, the Red Sox rookie won the war. Dobbins was awarded with the win after allowing three runs over five innings of work. Despite not recording any strikeouts, Dobbins was able to out-duel Yankees starter Carlos Rodón, who allowed five runs over five innings. The Red Sox went on to win the contest 11-7.
The loss can’t be blamed on Judge, who walked, singled and hit another home run following his first-inning blast. He finished the contest 3-for-4, with three runs scored and four RBI.
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Despite the loss, the Yankees are still in fantastic position overall. Entering Monday, the team sits at 39-25, leading the American League East.
If Judge and his teammates want to enact revenge against Dobbins, they could have that opportunity soon. Various injuries have pushed Dobbins in the Red Sox’s rotation, ensuring he should get at least another start or two. The Red Sox and Yankees begin another series June 13, and Dobbins would be scheduled to face them again in that series assuming he stays in his normal rotation slot.
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