Yankees' Judge hits 61st home run, ties Maris' American League record in win over Blue Jays

Aaron Judge had gone seven games since his last home run, 34 plate appearances of fans quieting to a hush and snapping photos with every pitch.

Then with the score tied in the seventh inning on Wednesday night in Toronto, he drove a 94.5 mph belt-high sinker to left, a no doubt rocket. He had tied Roger Maris' American League record of 61 home runs in a season, what many fans consider baseball's "clean" standard for the sport.

Judge's two-run homer lifted the Yankees to an 8-3 victory over the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre and brought relief to the six-foot-seven slugger, who admitted having to try to block out distraction.

"Getting a chance to sit at 60 for a while there with the Babe was nice," he said. "But getting a chance to now sit at 61 with another Yankee right fielder that hit 61 home runs and MVPs, world champions, this is pretty cool."

Judge has seven games to break the record, starting with a series opener against Baltimore at Yankee Stadium on Friday night.

His 117.4 mph drive off left-hander Tim Mayza (8-1) snapped a 3-3 tie and took just 3.8 seconds to land 394 feet from the plate. Judge watched the ball clank off the front of the stands, just below two fans who reached over a railing and tried for a catch. He pumped an arm just before reaching first and exchanged a slap with coach Travis Chapman.

"Definitely some relief getting to 61. You try not to think about it, but it creeps into your head," Judge said. "I was hoping it would get over the fence. I didn't know at first. I didn't want to be standing at home plate when it hits the wall."

The ball dropped into Toronto's bullpen and was picked up by Blue Jays bullpen coach Matt Buschmann. He and Toronto closer Jordan Romano held onto the ball before turning it over to Yankees reliever Zack Britton, who made sure it got to Judge.

Judge's mother Patty and Roger Maris Jr. rose and hugged from front-row seats. Judge appeared to point toward them after rounding second base.

"She's been with me through it all, that's for sure," Judge said. "From the Little League days, from getting me ready for school, taking me to my first couple of practices and games, being there for my first professional game, being there for my debut, and then now getting the chance to be here for this, this is so special. We're not done yet."

Judge was congratulated by the entire Yankees team, who gave him hugs after he crossed the plate.

"He's as beloved as they come," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "I think everyone is just so excited for him."

Judge moved past the 60 home runs Babe Ruth hit in 1927, which had stood as the major league mark until Maris broke it in 1961. All three stars reached those huge numbers playing for the Yankees.

Maris hit No. 61 for the Yankees on Oct. 1, 1961, against Boston pitcher Tracy Stallard. Maris' mark has been exceeded six times, but all have been tainted by the stench of steroids. Mark McGwire hit 70 home runs in 1998 and 65 the following year, and Bonds topped him with 73 in 2001. Sammy Sosa had 66, 65 and 63 during a four-season span starting in 1998.