Aaron Judge chase gets awkward as Yankees beat Rangers in Game 1

Aaron Judge chase gets awkward as Yankees beat Rangers in Game 1

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Aaron Judge watch has gone from amazing to awkward, as Judge, once on pace to leave Roger Maris’ American League and franchise home run record in the dust, is now on the verge of ending the season tied with the former Yankee slugger.

Judge didn’t homer in the first game of Tuesday’s split doubleheader against the Rangers, a 5-4 win, leaving him just with Tuesday’s nightcap and Wednesday’s regular-season finale at Globe Life Field to make history.

After Judge popped out to end the top of the fifth, he slammed his helmet into the helmet rack, an unusual display of emotion from the even-keeled slugger.

And unlike in earlier stretches in which Judge went without a home run, this time, he’s not hitting much at all.

After getting one hit Tuesday, he’s 7-for-35 with a double, a homer, 17 walks and 14 strikeouts in a dozen games since tying Babe Ruth’s former home run record of 60.

The Yankees will have five days off following heading into Game 1 of the ALDS on Oct. 11, and prior to Tuesday’s games, manager Aaron Boone said he’s not worried about whether Judge gets the home run record.

“He’s the MVP of the league,’’ Boone said. “We’re talking about an historic record, obviously, so hopefully he gets it. But I don’t think … either way it doesn’t put a damper on what’s been an historically great season. Either way, he’s gonna be in a good spot heading into the postseason.”

In Tuesday’s opener, Judge grounded to short to lead off the game, flied to right in the third inning, popped out in the fifth and singled to center in the eighth.

Aaron Judge flies out in the third inning of the Yankees' game against the Rangers in Arlington, Texas on Oct. 4, 2022.Aaron Judge flies out in the third inning of the Yankees’ game against the Rangers in Arlington, Texas on Oct. 4, 2022.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Kyle Higashioka walked with two outs in the top of the ninth to get Judge back to the plate again, but he grounded to shortstop.


Everything to know about Aaron Judge and his chase for the home run record:


Oswaldo Cabrera put the Yankees up early with a homer in the top of the first, but they fell behind 2-1 in the bottom of the inning when Josh Jung singled to right with two on and two out. The hit scored Nathaniel Lowe easily from second, but Adolis Garcia only came around after Marwin Gonzalez inexplicably repeatedly pump-faked throws to the infield.

Aaron Judge jogs back to the dugout after flying out in the third inning on Oct. 4, 2022.Aaron Judge jogs back to the dugout after flying out in the third inning on Oct. 4, 2022.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Po

Oswald Peraza’s first major league home run in the second tied the game, and Peraza scored on an Omar Gonzalez single in the fifth to put the Yankees ahead.

But Jameson Taillon gave up a two-run shot to Garcia in the bottom of the inning.

Higashioka continued his good stretch at the plate when he opened the eighth with his 10th home run of the season to tie the game again.

Judge singled to center and moved to second when Anthony Rizzo was hit by a pitch before Cabrera bunted both runners over. Harrison Bader singled to left to drive in Judge and give the Yankees a 5-4 lead.

From left: Aaron Judge's wife Samantha, mom Patty and dad Wayne watch during the national anthem before the Yankees faced the Rangers on Oct. 4, 2022.From left: Aaron Judge’s wife Samantha, mom Patty and dad Wayne watch during the national anthem before the Yankees faced the Rangers on Oct. 4, 2022.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Jonathan Loaisiga closed it out with a scoreless ninth for the save.