Judge hits 53rd HR, Yankees avoid Rays sweep
Aaron Judge led off the game with his major league-leading 53rd homer and the New York Yankees stopped the Tampa Bay Rays 2-1 Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep. Judge set a career high for homers, topping the 52 he hit as a rookie in 2017. He also doubled, singled and scored both New York runs. “We were focused on today,” Judge said. “We really didn't focus on the past two days, and I think that's what helped us go out there and get this one today.” Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who watched the final half of the game after being ejected, greeted players outside the clubhouse entrance after the important victory. “It's way more nerve-wrecking up here," Boone said. “My pacemaker was kicking into overdrive." Frankie Montas (5-11) allowed one hit over five shutout innings as the AL East-leading Yankees increased their lead to five games over Tampa Bay. The Rays trailed by 15 1/2 games on July 10. The Toronto Blue Jays are six games off the lead. The Jays got past the Pirates 4-3 to complete a three-game sweep in Pittsburgh.  Over in the National League, the New York Mets were pounded 7-1 by the Washington Nationals. With the Atlanta Braves beating the Miami Marlins, the Mets' lead in the NL East is down to a 1 1/2 games. (AFP)