Aaron Judge's October failures on full display in World Series: ‘It definitely eats at you'

During a tense moment in the sixth inning of Game 2 of the World Series, Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw a fastball to Aaron Judge, a pitch Judge typically excels at hitting. However, Judge let it go by, starting an 0-for-4 night that included three strikeouts. The Dodgers have taken a 2-0 lead over the Yankees, with Judge's performance being a key concern. He has struggled this postseason, striking out frequently and not performing with runners in scoring position, a factor crucial for the Yankees' success.

Judge, with an AL MVP status, is just 1-for-9 through the first two games of the series. Fans' patience is wearing thin, as he has been ineffective, leading to a .199 career batting average in the postseason, amongst the worst in franchise history with 100 plate appearances. The Yankees aim to reverse their fortune in the series, needing Judge to regain his regular-season form to have a chance against the Dodgers.

Yankees player Giancarlo Stanton emphasized the importance of results over the perceived quality of Judge’s at-bats. With increasing pressure, Judge acknowledged the need to improve his discipline by refusing to chase pitches outside the strike zone.

A playful comment from a Mets player earlier this season implied Judge was one of the sole threats in the Yankees’ lineup. In the World Series, others like Soto and Stanton are producing, but Judge’s contribution remains essential to the Yankees' hopes. The focus is on whether Judge will find his rhythm and help lead the Yankees to victory in upcoming games.