NEW YORK -- On an unusually warm 78-degree afternoon, the New York Yankees showcased their power at Yankee Stadium, setting a franchise record with nine home runs in a stunning 20-9 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Aaron Judge led the charge, hitting three home runs, including his ninth career grand slam, and finishing the game with a staggering eight RBIs.
Judge's performance marked his 40th multihomer game and his third with three homers. He came tantalizingly close to making history as the 19th player ever to hit four home runs in a single game, but his fly ball in the sixth inning fell just short, landing on the right-field warning track for a run-scoring double.
The Yankees wasted no time in the first inning, as Judge, Paul Goldschmidt, and Cody Bellinger all homered on the first three pitches from Nestor Cortes. This remarkable feat was noted by Major League Baseball as the first instance since pitch tracking began in 1988 that a team homered on its first three pitches.
In addition to Judge's heroics, the Yankees saw contributions from Austin Wells, Anthony Volpe, and Jazz Chisholm Jr., who all added to the home run tally. Chisholm Jr. hit his first homer of the season, making it a 13-3 game in the bottom of the third inning. Oswald Peraza also joined the long ball party, capping off a historic day for the Bronx Bombers.
Despite the offensive fireworks, the Yankees' defense struggled, committing five errors— their most since May 29, 2018— which led to four unearned runs off starting pitcher Max Fried. Fried, making his Yankees debut after signing a lucrative $218 million, eight-year contract, allowed six runs on seven hits and issued two walks over 4 2/3 innings.
On the other side, Cortes, who was traded from the Yankees in December, had a rough outing in his Brewers debut, giving up eight runs, six hits, and five walks in just two innings of work. His performance highlighted the stark contrast between the two teams on this day.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented on the game, emphasizing the team's offensive prowess. "It was a great day for our hitters. We came out swinging, and the guys were really locked in," Boone said. "Aaron's performance was exceptional, and it was great to see contributions from everyone in the lineup."
Key moments in the game included Volpe's three-run homer in the second inning, which helped the Yankees regain momentum after the Brewers had closed the gap to 4-3. The Yankees' explosive offense continued to build on their lead, leaving the Brewers in the dust.
Yoendrys Gómez earned his first major league win, pitching effectively in relief and recording four outs. His performance was a bright spot in a game filled with offensive fireworks and defensive mishaps.
As the game progressed, fans were treated to a display of power hitting that is rarely seen in Major League Baseball. The Yankees’ nine home runs not only set a franchise record but also added to the storied legacy of the team known for its long ball hitters. The last time the Yankees homered eight times in a game was against the Philadelphia Athletics on June 28, 1939, and again against the Chicago White Sox on July 31, 2007.
Looking ahead, the Yankees are set to continue their series against the Brewers with a matchup featuring right-handers Marcus Stroman and Aaron Civale making their respective first starts on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The excitement surrounding the team is palpable as they look to build on their explosive performance from Saturday.
As the Yankees celebrate this historic win, the focus will shift to improving their defensive play and maintaining their offensive momentum. With a potent lineup and a strong pitching staff, the Yankees appear poised to make a significant impact this season.
In a season that promises to be filled with drama and excitement, fans are left wondering: can the Yankees continue this level of play and challenge for the title? Only time will tell, but Saturday's performance has certainly set the bar high.
