Aaron Judge gives fine assessment of game vs Angles after robbing Shohei Ohtani of home run: "It wasn't too bad"

The New York Yankees' game against the LA Angels produced a first innings for the ages. This saw Yankees stalwart Aaron Judge rob Japanese two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani of what would have been a clean homer on any other day.

"Aaron Judge robbed Shohei Ohtani of a home run with his bare hand," Sports Illustrated, Twitter.

Judge followed up his brilliance on the field with a stunning two-run homer to give the Yankees a 2-0 lead at the end of the first.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Aaron Judge gave an immaculate assessment of what was a fine performance from the New York Yankees.

"Aaron Judge opened the game robbing Shohei Ohtani of a homer, then going yard himself. @JustinShackil: "Best 1st inning ever?" Judge: "It wasn't too bad." - YES Network, Twitter.

Judge was particularly happy for recent Yankee debutant Jhony Brito, who put up a zero in the first.

Judge downplayed the excitement by merely conceding that the first innings wasn't "too bad." But we can be certain that he enjoyed hitting the sweet spot to help the Yankees clinch a lead.

"It wasn't too bad. Especially for Brito coming out back and having a bounce back, coming out putting up a zero there in the first is big time," Judge said.

When quizzed about which moment was more satisfying between the two, Judge conceded that it was the homer rather than the catch to send Ohtani packing.

Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels looks on as Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees (not pictured) makes a catch for an out during the first inning at Yankee Stadium on April 19, 2023

The Yankees wrapped up the game 3-2 to clinch the second game in the series of three against the Los Angeles Angels.

Aaron Judge reiterates that he wants to play against the world's best

Judge sure did get one up over his counterpart last night. Robbing him of the homer with a juggling catch and hitting a two-run shot punctuated what was a special night for the New York Yankees skipper.

Judge reiterated after the game that he wants to continue challenging himself against the best.

“You want to play against the best,” Judge said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

Judge and Ohtani are due to trade blows once again today. Will it be Shohei Ohtani's brilliance that carries the Angels over the line, or will it be Judge's smashing form with the bat that will take center stage?

About the author

Nikhil is a tennis journalist at Sportskeeda and has six years of experience as a working professional. He has been playing the sport for almost two decades and has been a national-level player. He was ranked as high as 162 on AITA and 43 on the TNTA charts.

Nikhil believes that authenticity is the hallmark of good writing and strives to achieve it everyday when he gets in front of the desk. To get the information out in the best possible manner, he believes looks at multiple authentic sources while researching on the topic. He watches the sport ardently while also following it on social media platforms.

Nikhil considers Roger Federer to be the best player to have graced the sport and fell in love with the Swiss at first sight in 2006. He rates Wimbledon at the top among all other events on the tennis calendar due to Federer’s dominance on the grass court and the Major's charm and aura.

As for the ever-ongoing GOAT debate, Nikhil feels that both Federer and Rafael Nadal deserve the title as apart from being extraordinary tennis players, they are also exemplary all-round human beings.

Additionally, Nikhil’s hobbies include skating, cooking, and reading.

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Edited by John Maxwell