Judge's Three-Run Homer Ignites Yankees Comeback to Stave Off Elimination

In a season-defining moment, New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge delivered a monumental three-run home run in the fourth inning of Game 3 of the American League Division Series. The blast erased a significant deficit and powered his team to a dramatic 9-6 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

theguardian.com reported, Facing elimination at Yankee Stadium, the Yankees were trailing 6-1 before mounting a comeback that culminated in Judge's game-tying blast. The win cuts Toronto's series lead to 2-1 and forces a pivotal Game 4 in the Bronx. The Blue Jays, who had appeared dominant in the first two games, were undone by a resurgent Yankees offense and key defensive miscues.

The game began ominously for New York, as Toronto jumped out to an early lead, largely thanks to a two-run homer by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and a four-run third inning that knocked starter Carlos Rodón out of the game. The Yankees chipped away, making the score 6-3 before Judge stepped to the plate with two runners on in the bottom of the fourth.

infocityba.com.ar noted, The decisive swing came on an 0-2 count against Blue Jays reliever Louis Varland, who threw a 100-mph fastball high and inside. Judge turned on the pitch, sending a high fly ball that clanged off the left-field foul pole to tie the game at 6-6, sending the sellout crowd of 47,399 into a frenzy.

The home run was not only the turning point of the game but also a signature postseason moment for Judge, who has faced criticism for his past October performances. Following Judge's heroics, Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a go-ahead solo home run in the fifth inning, and the Yankees' bullpen delivered 6 2/3 scoreless innings to seal the victory.

heavy.com reported, The comeback was the largest for the Yankees in an elimination game in franchise history. Blue Jays manager John Schneider acknowledged the impact of the swing, calling it "a ridiculous swing." Judge, who finished the night 3-for-4 with four RBIs, deflected praise, crediting "ghosts" at the stadium for keeping the ball fair.

• Historical Context: The Yankees and Blue Jays, both members of the American League East, have a rivalry that dates back to the 1980s. Their frequent divisional matchups have often had playoff implications, creating a history of intense and memorable games. This ALDS matchup is another chapter in that long-standing competition.
• The Yankees' victory marked the first time in MLB postseason history a team facing elimination in a best-of-five series won after trailing by five or more runs; teams in that situation were previously 0-38.
• The Decisive At-Bat: Aaron Judge's game-tying home run came on a 99.7 mph fastball from Louis Varland that was 1.2 feet inside from the center of the strike zone. According to MLB Statcast data, it was the first time since pitch tracking began in 2008 that a player has hit a home run on a pitch that fast and that far inside.
• It was also the fastest pitch Judge has ever hit for a home run in his career. The improbable hit came on an 0-2 count, a situation where a home run is exceedingly rare.
• Stakeholders and Reactions: For Aaron Judge, the home run was a defining moment that helps counter a narrative of postseason underperformance. For the Yankees, it kept their championship hopes alive. Manager Aaron Boone praised it as an "awesome, MVP-like performance."
• For the Blue Jays, it was a crushing blow. Reliever Louis Varland stated, "He made a really good pitch look really bad," while manager John Schneider jokingly wished Judge "a bad night's sleep" before Game 4.
• Implications for the Series: The victory completely shifted the momentum of the series. Instead of a sweep, the Blue Jays now face a re-energized Yankees team in a hostile environment for Game 4.
• The Blue Jays' bullpen was taxed, and their defense, which committed two costly errors, showed signs of pressure. The win not only saved the Yankees' season but also improved their record in elimination games during these playoffs to 3-0.
• Player Performance and Pressure: Prior to this game, Judge was hitting well in the 2025 postseason but lacked a signature, game-changing home run, a point of criticism given his regular-season dominance. This performance, where he went 3-for-4 and drove in four runs, silenced many of those critics.
• Conversely, Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continued his strong series with an early two-run homer, but his team's inability to hold a 6-1 lead put the focus on their bullpen and defense.
• Statistical Anomalies: The comeback itself was a statistical improbability. At one point in the third inning, the Blue Jays' win probability surged to 91.5%.
• The Yankees' win was their largest comeback in a postseason game since overcoming a five-run deficit in the 2010 ALCS. Judge's home run was the first given up by any pitcher this season on an 0-2 count, out of the strike zone, on a pitch 99 mph or faster, after 527 similar pitches resulted in other outcomes.
• Future Developments: The series now moves to a crucial Game 4 in New York. The pressure shifts back to the Blue Jays to close out the series and avoid a winner-take-all Game 5 in Toronto.
• The Yankees will look to build on the momentum from their historic comeback, while the Blue Jays must regroup after letting a commanding lead slip away.