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Aaron Judge struck out four times and still the New York Yankees cruised to a 7-0 victory against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday’s Opening Day.
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 went 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/Image Images)
Fortunately, for the Bronx Bombers, Trent Grisham and Ryan McMahon each had two RBIs and Max Fried only allowed two hits and struck out four.
Opta Stats noted that the Yankees made history despite Judge’s tough play.
“The Yankees are the first team in MLB history to record a shutout victory despite the reigning MVP striking out more than 4 times (in any game, Opening Day or not),” the data company wrote in X.
Judge struck out swinging in the first against Logan Webb, took a called third strike in the second inning, struck out with a foul in the fourth and struck out looking in the sixth.
YANKEES LEGEND GIVES THOUGHTS ON LAST SEASON’S RUNNING BACK TEAM, 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 struck out four times in a game since a five-strikeout game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 28, 2024.
“It was like everyone tonight could participate,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “A night where we didn’t get the ball out of the ballpark, but a lot of good pressurized at-bats, I thought. Good night to us. I think we can beat you in a lot of different ways.”
Judge has three American League MVPs to his name and was making a homecoming of sorts when he entered Oracle Park. He grew up in Linden, California, and went to Fresno State before being drafted by the Yankees.
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees 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 were in the running 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, and ultimately turned down San Francisco.
