While the decision didn't backfire in the moment for the Guardians, Judge would hit his first home run of the playoffs five innings later.

Well, the Guardians did just that in their 6-3 loss in Game 2 of the ALCS in a stunning development. Manager Stephen Vogt later defended the decision to intentionally walk Soto with first base open and load the bases with one out for Judge while trailing, 2-0, in the second inning.

In a game they could not afford to fall behind early, the Cleveland Guardians made a mess of things in the first and second innings of ALCS Game 2 against the New York Yankees (live updates here). Shortstop Brayan Rocchio dropped an Aaron Judge infield pop up to allow a run to score in the first inning,