Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. propel Yankees with game-changing home runs

NEW YORK: The New York Yankees kept their playoff aspirations alive, securing a dramatic 9-6 comeback win against the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday.

After falling behind 6-1 early, the Yankees mounted a comeback fueled by impressive displays from Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr., who delivered pivotal home runs to ignite the turnaround.

Judge’s three-run shot off Louis Varland in the fourth inning pulled the game even at 6-6, while Chisholm’s solo homer in the fifth gave New York the lead for good.

Just prior to his homer, Judge engaged in a brief discussion with Giancarlo Stanton in the dugout.

The Yankees’ captain then blasted his 17th career postseason home run and concluded the night with a 3-for-4 performance, including four RBIs, achieving his second career three-hit postseason game.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of Toronto maintained his strong performance, launching his third home run of the series; however, the Blue Jays were unable to maintain their initial advantage.

Following an early exit by starter Carlos Rodón, the Yankees’ bullpen stepped up, contributing 6 2/3 scoreless innings from five relief pitchers.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Judge’s pivotal swing, drawing comparisons to legendary hitters from previous eras.

“It’s a remarkable swing,” Boone commented. “It resembles Edgar Martinez, handling that high, inside pitch and keeping it fair down the line. Manny Ramirez also executed that exceptionally well. It was simply a superb swing on a challenging pitch.”

The victory forces a decisive Game 4 at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, with rookie Cam Schlittler scheduled to start for New York. The Blue Jays are anticipated to employ a bullpen game as they aim to defend their series lead.