Team USA beat the Dominican Republic 2-1 at LoanDepot Park in Miami on Sunday, and Judge had a day. He fired at Fernando Tatis Jr. trying to turn a hit into a triple. He also threw a ball to center that looked like it was an extra base until Julio Rodríguez located it.
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But what stayed with Judge after the game wasn’t the plays. It was the noise. Judge told reporters that the noise and energy of the crowd surpassed anything he had seen before, including his World Series appearances with the New York Yankees.
“The World Series that I was in in front of the crowd here and the one we had against Mexico, it’s bigger and better than the World Series. The passion that these fans have representing their country, representing their favorite players, there’s nothing like it. That’s what you dream about when you’re a kid,” Judge said, according to Doug McKain.
“It gives me chills right now thinking about how special it was.”
The crowd of 36,337 never sat down. Every shot mattered in the semifinal and the fans made sure the players felt it. Junior Caminero took Paul Skenes early and the place erupted.Advertisement
Gunnar Henderson tied it for Team USA, then Roman Anthony put them ahead with a blast that sent the stadium into chaos.
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New York and United States Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge hits a two-run home run in the third inning against Mexico at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Judge has seen packed houses before while wearing the Stars and Stripes. The matchup against Mexico drew 41,628 fans, setting the attendance record for a 2026 World Baseball Classic group stage game on U.S. soil.
LoanDepot Park became something different Sunday night. Judge left the field still buzzing about it.
For someone who’s been to a World Series, that says a lot about what the WBC brings out in people.
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