Aaron Judge etches his name into history as Yankees captain adds to unprecedented home run tally in series win over Orioles

Aaron Judge helped the New York Yankees finally end their slump, as the Bronx Bombers won their first series in nearly a month. Judge continued his imperious slugging form in the Yankees' second consecutive win over division rivals Baltimore Orioles on Saturday.

Camden Yards witnessed the Yankees captain take his home run tally to 34 after Aaron Judge got hold of Grayson Rodriguez in the top of the fifth inning. Judge's solo homer extended the Yankees lead to 6-1, which eventually turned out to be the winning score in the second game of the series.

Judge homered against the Orioles for a second consecutive game following his solo home run in the series opener on Friday. His league-leading 34th home run of the season etched his name in the record books, as Judge became the first Yankee to reach the tally before the All-Star break.

The former MVP broke his record (2022) and Yankees legend Roger Maris' (1961) tally of 33 home runs. Judge could add more home runs to his tally, as the Yankees face the Orioles in the series finale before the All-Star game.

However, the Yankees captain is unlikely to get past MLB icon Barry Bonds' record of 39 home runs in a season before the All-Star break.

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Aaron Judge hails Yankees starter Luis Gil after solid outing

Aaron Judge went without a home run for more than five games before breaking the shackles in the series opener on Friday. The Yankees captain has been the talisman for the team, so it's no surprise his return to form has translated into the team's success against their rivals.

While Judge continued to rake in home runs, the Yankees superstar hailed starter Luis Gil's solid start on Saturday. Gil went six innings, conceding one run over five hits and striking out seven.

“For us to get that first run early and then for him to have a great at-bat against a tough pitcher and get the one mistake and let it leave the ballpark,” Judge said.

“That was big time for not only us, but for (Luis) Gil on the mound, to go out there with some confidence.”

The Yankees offense backed their starter after a four-run burst in the first inning. Yankees catcher Austin Wells took Rodriguez deep for a three-run homer to push his team into a commanding position with a 4-0 lead after the first inning.