Yankees captain Judge's first postseason home run was a crucial three-run shot that tied the game, leading the Yankees to a comeback victory over the Blue Jays.

The New York Yankees, on the brink of being swept after back-to-back losses in the Division Series, managed to stop the slide at home. Although they fell behind by 6 runs in the opening three innings, led by captain Aaron Judge’s tying three-run homer and Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s decisive solo shot, the Yankees rallied to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 9-6 in Game 3 of the ALDS, narrowing the series to 1-2.

Yankees starter Carlos Rodón lasted only 2.1 innings, giving up 6 hits and 6 runs while striking out 2 and walking 2. In the bottom of the third, Judge led off with a two-run double to cut the deficit to three runs. Then in the fourth inning, with one out and runners on first and second, and a 2-0 count, he crushed a 99.7 mph inside fastball over the left-field foul pole for a home run that tied the game.

According to MLB reporter Sarah Langs, this home run marked Judge’s 16th in postseason play. He has hit 6 homers in 20 “win-or-go-home” games, tying David Ortiz for the most home runs in such high-stakes playoff contests in MLB history.

The Yankees offense kept momentum going. In the bottom of the fifth, Chisholm launched a go-ahead solo homer, sparking the team to add two more runs in the inning. They scored an additional run in the sixth, ultimately securing the win by three runs.

After scoring a record 23 runs combined in the first two games, the Blue Jays’ offense started strong again, tallying 6 runs on 6 hits in the first three innings. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a solo homer in the first inning, becoming the first Blue Jays player to homer in three consecutive postseason games. However, they managed only two hits and no runs over the next seven innings.

Blue Jays starter Shane Bieber pitched just 2.2 innings, allowing 5 hits and 3 runs (2 earned). The following four relievers combined to give up 6 runs over 3 innings, with Louis Varland surrendering two home runs in one inning of relief and taking the loss.