Another night, another line in the New York Yankees’ history books for Aaron Judge. On Thursday night in the Bronx, Judge added another milestone to his resume, becoming the third-fastest Yankee to record 500 career extra-base hits. He did it in his signature way, blasting a three-run home run in the first inning off Arizona Diamondbacks' right-hander Merrill Kelly, giving the Yankees a 3-0 lead.
This blast was Judge’s fifth of the season, tying him for the Major League lead in 2025. It also continued a familiar pattern of doing early damage. This year, three of Judge’s five homers have come in the first inning, part of a growing trend. Since the start of the 2024 season, 21 of his 63 home runs have come in the opening frame.
Thursday’s swing placed Judge behind only two names in Yankees history when it comes to reaching 500 extra-base hits in the fewest games: Joe DiMaggio (853 games) and Lou Gehrig (874 games). Judge did it in his 891st career game, passing legends, and joining them. For a player whose power has always come with presence, the timing of the milestone feels fitting.
The Yankees are off to a strong start, their offense deeper and more consistent than in recent years. Judge’s homers aren’t carrying the team alone; Anthony Volpe has four on the season so far. But when Judge connects early, the Yankees' offense tends to follow. Nights like Thursday remind everyone why Judge’s name keeps landing in the same sentence as Gehrig and DiMaggio—not for the sake of legacy, but because he keeps earning it.
In addition to his historic home run, Judge added a run-scoring single in the fourth inning, as the Yankees moved ahead 7-3. Overall, Judge finished the game with three hits and four RBIs, showcasing his all-around offensive prowess. His performance was instrumental in leading the Yankees to a 9-7 victory over the Diamondbacks.
The game was not just about Judge, though. New York's Trent Grisham and Jazz Chisholm Jr. also contributed significantly, each hitting two-run homers off Kelly, who struggled throughout the night. Kelly allowed a career-high nine runs, nine hits, and three walks in just 3 2/3 innings, which is a tough outing for any pitcher.
With this victory, the Yankees set a Major League record by hitting 22 home runs through their first six games of the season, five more than any other team has managed in that span. It’s a record that underscores the team’s explosive start and their offensive capabilities.
Judge’s achievement also places him in rare company. He has now joined Babe Ruth (1932) as the only players in Major League history to notch five or more homers and 15 or more RBIs through their first six games of a season since RBIs became an official stat in 1920. This remarkable start has the baseball world buzzing and raises expectations for what Judge can accomplish this season.
As the Yankees continue their campaign, Judge’s performance will be crucial. He is currently hitting .417 with five homers and 15 RBIs, numbers that highlight his importance to the team’s success. With a batting line like that, it’s clear that Judge is not just another slugger; he’s a game-changer.
Looking ahead, the Yankees will need Judge to maintain this level of performance as they navigate through the season. The pressure will be on him, but if his early-season form is anything to go by, he seems more than capable of rising to the occasion. The fans in the Bronx are certainly hoping for more nights like Thursday, where the star power of Aaron Judge shines brightly.
In the broader context of the league, Judge’s achievements are a reminder of the rich history of the Yankees and the legacy of players who have come before him. As he continues to break records and set new milestones, the comparisons to legends like DiMaggio and Gehrig will only grow stronger.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Judge and the Yankees. Will they continue to dominate the league? Can Judge maintain his incredible form? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: with every swing of his bat, Aaron Judge is writing his own chapter in Yankees history.
