In a dramatic escalation of their ongoing feud, the Baltimore Orioles targeted New York Yankees’ star Aaron Judge with a pitch on Sunday afternoon.
Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer struck Judge on his elbow guard in the first inning, an act widely perceived as intentional following recent tensions between the teams.
The incident occurred after a relatively peaceful game on Friday. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde appeared to have orchestrated the move, as Kremer showed no hesitation despite the likely repercussions. Judge, visibly affected by the hit, remained in the game, but the Yankees are now left pondering their response.
The recent discord between the teams began when Yankees pitcher Clay Holmes accidentally hit Heston Kjerstad during a rain-soaked game.
Kjerstad, who was sent to the concussion injured list, had planned to play but was forced to sit out, aggravating the Orioles. Hyde reacted aggressively to Holmes’ approach to check on Kjerstad, accusing the Yankees of unnecessary interference and intensifying the rivalry.
With Hyde accusing the Yankees’ dugout of provoking the situation, the tension has only escalated. Sunday’s intentional hit on Judge underscores the volatile atmosphere as the teams head into the All-Star break. Yankees fans now anxiously await any potential retaliation, hoping pitcher Carlos Rodón maintains control and avoids further depleting their bullpen.
The series continues with the Yankees mindful of their next steps, aware that any retaliation could shift the focus and blame onto them. The baseball world watches closely as these two rivals inch closer to the finish line of their heated series.
