LOS ANGELES — Baseball fans witnessed history on Friday night as Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani delivered electrifying performances in the opening inning of the Yankees-Dodgers matchup.
The two reigning MVPs traded home runs in the first inning, marking the first time in MLB history that both reigning MVPs homered in the first inning of the same game.
Judge Strikes First
Aaron Judge wasted no time making an impact. Facing Tony Gonsolin, Judge crushed a 90 mph fastball deep into center field, sending the ball 446 feet into the batter’s eye. The solo shot gave the Yankees an early 1-0 lead and marked Judge’s 19th home run of the season.
Ohtani Answers Back
Shohei Ohtani, never one to be outdone, responded immediately in the bottom of the first. On the first pitch from Max Fried, Ohtani launched a 417-foot blast to center field, tying the game at 1-1. This was Ohtani’s 21st home run of the season, solidifying his position as the league leader in homers.
More Fireworks Follow
The Yankees continued their offensive surge in the second inning. Austin Wells led off with a solo home run, followed by Trent Grisham, who added a two-run blast—his first homer since May 12. Paul Goldschmidt joined the party in the third inning, sending an opposite-field shot over the fence.
The Bigger Picture: Yankees vs. Dodgers Rivalry
This game was more than just a regular-season matchup—it was a rematch of the 2024 World Series, where the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in five games. The Yankees, now leading the AL East with a 35-20 record, were eager for payback.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers, sitting at 34-22 atop the NL West, aimed to maintain their dominance.
Ohtani’s Historic Season
Ohtani’s performance this season has been nothing short of spectacular. He is on pace for a 60-home-run, 32-steal season, an unprecedented feat in modern baseball. His ability to hit home runs on the first or second pitch has made him one of the most dangerous hitters in the league.
Judge’s Consistency
Judge, on the other hand, continues to showcase his elite hitting ability. He currently leads the league with a .391 batting average, along with 19 home runs and 47 RBIs. His 1.227 OPS is the highest in the majors, proving why he remains one of the most feared sluggers in baseball.
Conclusion
Friday night’s game was a testament to the star power of Judge and Ohtani. Their ability to deliver in high-pressure moments makes them two of the most exciting players in the sport. As the season progresses, fans can expect more historic performances from these two MVPs.
Baseball’s biggest stars continue to shine, and if this game was any indication, the Yankees-Dodgers rivalry is far from over.
