New York Yankees edge Los Angeles Angels in historic home run slugfest
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge and Los Angeles Angels counterpart Mike Trout both hit two home runs before a wild pitch handed the hosts a dramatic 11-10 victory in the Bronx on Monday.
Trent Grisham also homered twice for the home side, including a vital tying shot in the ninth inning.
Jose Caballero then scored the winning run on Jordan Romano’s game-ending wild pitch to conclude a pulsating series opener.
The walk-off win importantly snapped a five-game losing streak for the American League East franchise.
Historic clash of former MVPs
The matchup marked the first time two three-time Most Valuable Players have hit multiple home runs in the same game for 70 years.
Brooklyn Dodgers legend Roy Campanella and St. Louis Cardinals great Stan Musial last achieved the rare feat at Ebbets Field in June 1956.
The 34-year-old Trout, who has battled persistent injuries over recent seasons, nearly hit a third but flied out to Cody Bellinger at the warning track with the bases loaded.
Record-breaking distance in the Bronx
The highly anticipated duel saw seven total home runs travel more than half a mile in combined distance.
Judge recorded the hardest-hit strike of the season with a 116.2 mph blast that travelled 456 feet into the left-field bleachers.
“He’s the greatest of all time,” Judge said of his illustrious opponent.
“It’s been fun to watch his whole career, coming up at such a young age and instantly just putting yourself at the top of the list.”
‘What fans want to see’
The visiting centre-fielder was equally appreciative of the historic contest that captivated the Yankee Stadium crowd.
“That’s baseball for you. It’s what fans want, and to be able to see something like that, pretty cool,” Trout remarked.
Four of baseball’s top active home run hitters featured in Monday’s heavyweight contest.
Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton currently leads all active players with 454 career home runs.
Trout trails in second place with 408, while Judge’s double moved him to 374, edging past teammate Paul Goldschmidt.
