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Aaron Judge of the Yankees sets an example with an outstanding home run

The Red Sox missed.

Aaron Judge did not do this.

Hours before Sunday's game, Boston manager Alex Cora claimed his team had thrown a fastball at Judge the day before that flew behind the batter's legs.

In the next game, Judge threw a 450-foot tank to center field that may have sent a message, but definitely helped the Yankees win.

Judge's 53rd home run of the season was crafted in style – it bounced off the batter's eye in the third inning for a two-run shot that would have been a jaw-dropping hit for virtually any other batter – and perhaps provided additional motivation, although Judge denied it.

Aaron Judge hit his 53rd home run of the season on September 15. Robert Sabo for the NY Post
Aaron Judge reacts after his home run in the Yankees' win on September 15. Robert Sabo for the NY Post

According to the Yankees captain, who dropped his bat just steps before reaching first base, no additional inspiration was needed.

“We're playing against the Red Sox,” Judge said after the 5-2 win to end a 5-2 home series. “It's a big rival, big games, big moments.”

The big moments on Saturday went badly for the Yankees.

Gerrit Cole allowed an intentional walk to Rafael Devers in the fourth inning with the bases empty, resulting in an implosion and later an explosion from the Red Sox manager.

Cora was angry Saturday because he believed Cole's 0-1 cutter that pierced Devers in the first inning was intentional.

The intentional walk that followed made it “loud and clear,” Cora said: Cole did not want to face Devers.

Before Sunday's game, Cora said he believed the feud between the teams was over.

There were no fireworks, possibly because an unexploded bomb was fired on Saturday.

Aaron Judge rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the Yankees' win on September 15. Robert Sabo for the NY Post

The matter is “closed” [Saturday] “About the sixth inning,” Cora said. “We had our chance. But it didn't happen.”

In the sixth inning on Saturday, the first pitch Brayan Bello threw was a 97 mph sinker that Judge dodged.

Judge later hit a line drive to center field in his at-bat.

Cora said he spoke to Judge after the game and the conversation was “professional.”

Judge spoke of a “good conversation,” but did not want to reveal much beyond that.

“When you play this game for a while, these things happen,” Judge said. “I think they're just protecting their players. Something has to happen. That's how this game is policed.”

“I think the most important thing is not to miss it when you do it.”

Pitchers and managers often publicly deny intent, even when the intent is obvious.

It is rare for a manager to do what Cora did when he suggested his pitcher give Judge a “chance.”

“That's not allowed. Someone else has to deal with that,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “We're not playing them anymore. So now we're on to Seattle.”

But not without thinking about Judge's well-aimed retaliation.

Kutter Crawford missed with an 0-1 fastball that Judge fired off his bat at 121.1 mph and bounced off the batter's eye into the net above Monument Park.

“The ball was cleaned up,” Boone said.

Judge hit at least 53 home runs for the second time in his club's first 150 games.

The only other Yankees to do this at least once: Babe Ruth in 1921 and 1927 and Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle both in 1961.

“He’s different,” said Tommy Kahnle.

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