In a game marked by a first-of-its-kind ABS challenge decision, Aaron Judge overturned a call and followed with a 405-foot homer to propel the New York Yankees to a 3-0 win over the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Judge reversed a strike call at the bottom of the zone, the first such overturned pitch for the Yankees, and capped the moment with his long ball in the sixth inning.
Judge entered the plate with Paul Goldschmidt on second in a scoreless game and worked the count to 3-0 before the (final) two-strike sequence and fouls. After the overturned call, he delivered a four-seam fastball for the homer, giving New York a 2-0 lead. Giancarlo Stanton followed with a solo shot two batters later, contributing to the team’s 60th combined home run in a game in franchise history, a result highlighted by Cam Schlittler’s strong pitching in his season debut.
Despite the standout moment, Judge’s start to the season has drawn attention for a slow offensive pace. Through two games, he carries a .111/.111/.444 slash line with six strikeouts, and his early performance has drawn comparison to his World Baseball Classic showing earlier this year. The in-park reception in San Francisco has also been notable, as Giants fans—reminded of Judge’s home-region ties—have provided a tougher backdrop than during previous visits.
Judge acknowledged the new ABS process as an adjustment but emphasized its strategic role. “It’s weird. It’s a new part of the game,” he said. “I’m a hitter. I’ve got to focus on hitting. If there’s a big spot where I think I’ve got a chance to flip the count, I’m going to do it.” The win in Northern California gives the Yankees a two-game road trip win before they head to Seattle for the next series.
The victory, fueled by Judge’s key moment and Schlittler’s solid pitching, stands as a positive note for New York after the team’s season-opening performance. The Yankees now head to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Mariners, with the Bay Area stop yielding a meaningful milestone as they push toward early-season momentum.
