
The New York Yankees suffered a 6-4 loss at the Athletics on Saturday before the Bronx Bombers found themselves trailing the A's 3-0 at the end of the first inning of Sunday's game.
The Yankees then exploded to tally a remarkable 13 runs in the third inning of what became a 13-8 victory that improved New York to 36-23 on the season. Following the win, it was learned that Yankees slugger and captain Aaron Judge shared a brief yet strong message to his teammates as he walked through the dugout ahead of the top of the third inning of Sunday's contest.
"Let’s f-ing go, boys!" Judge said, per Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media.
Go the boys did, as the Yankees produced 13 runs on 11 hits, four walks and four stolen bases. In total, New York hitters saw 75 pitches over 18 plate appearances.
"I just felt like we were a little asleep there the first two innings," Judge said after the win about his rallying cry. "I expect more out of the guys. I know they expect more of themselves, so, yeah, a couple choice words there. 'Get it going,' and the boys responded."
The response started when shortstop Anthony Volpe reached base via a leadoff single, and he later produced an RBI. After the victory, he acknowledged that he "definitely" heard Judge's words.
"We just raised the energy," Judge added. "I think that was the biggest thing. That’s why I kind of had a couple things to say. 'Hey, pick up the energy.' We were sitting here kind of flat, but when we have energy, and we’re pressing on the gas against all these teams, we’re the best team in baseball. I just wanted guys to remember that. 'Don’t forget that.' And the energy was great in the dugout. Everybody was locked in on every pitch, every at-bat. Even when guys would walk, the dugout was getting excited. So just an all-around good inning there."
Technically, the Yankees didn't begin June as even the best team in the American League East, as the 36-20 Tampa Bay Rays ended Sunday sitting atop the division standings. That said, Judge and his teammates looked nearly unstoppable for about 43 minutes on Sunday.
The Yankees will be off Monday before they begin a three-game home series versus the Cleveland Guardians (34-27) on Tuesday evening.
More must-reads:
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!