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Yankees' Aaron Judge Hits Key Homer After Challenging ABS Call
Judge's home run in a scoreless game gave the Yankees the lead, taking advantage of the new automated ball-strike system.
Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:50am by Ben Kaplan
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In a scoreless game against the Giants, Yankees star Aaron Judge challenged a close strike call by the home plate umpire using the new automated ball-strike (ABS) system. The call was overturned, and Judge then launched a 405-foot home run to give the Yankees the lead. Judge, who has often been on the wrong end of low strike calls due to his tall stature, believes the ABS system will be beneficial for him going forward, though he still needs to focus on his hitting approach.
Why it matters
The introduction of the ABS system in Major League Baseball is a significant change that is expected to impact certain players more than others. As one of the game's premier power hitters, Aaron Judge has historically been the victim of low strike calls, so the ABS system could give him a notable advantage at the plate.
The details
In the top of the sixth inning with the game tied 0-0, Judge worked the count full against Giants pitcher Robbie Ray. The home plate umpire called a pitch that appeared to be just below the strike zone a strike. Judge challenged the call using the new ABS system, and the review showed the pitch was indeed a fraction of an inch low. Judge then launched the next pitch 405 feet for a go-ahead home run.
- In the top of the sixth inning of the March 27, 2026 game between the Yankees and Giants.
- The home run came with one out in the sixth, with the game tied 0-0.
The players
Aaron Judge
A star outfielder for the New York Yankees who has won three of the past four American League MVP awards.
Robbie Ray
The starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants in the game against the Yankees.
Chad Fairchild
The home plate umpire for the Yankees-Giants game.
What they’re saying
“I thought the call was gonna stand. It was a close one.”
— Aaron Judge, Yankees Outfielder
“I'm not gonna sit here and challenge every one I think is close, but in a big spot, if I've got a chance to flip the count, I'm gonna do it. I've still got to go up there and do the job as a hitter. All it takes is one pitch — like we saw in that at-bat.”
— Aaron Judge, Yankees Outfielder
“He's so tall, sometimes he gets rung up on that. [ABS] is gonna be good for him. He knows the [strike] zone really well.”
— Cody Bellinger, Giants Outfielder
What’s next
The Yankees and Giants will continue their series on Saturday, with the Yankees looking to build on Judge's key home run in the series opener.
The takeaway
Aaron Judge's ability to challenge a borderline strike call and then capitalize with a go-ahead home run highlights how the new automated ball-strike system could significantly benefit power hitters like him who have historically been on the wrong end of close pitch decisions due to their tall stature. The ABS system gives players a new strategic tool to potentially gain an advantage in key situations.
