Yankees’ Judge becomes fastest MLB player to 250 home runs with a solo shot against the Astros

By KRISTIE RIEKEN
AP Sports Writer

HOUSTON (AP) — New York Yankees star Aaron Judge became the fastest player in major league history to reach 250 home runs with a solo shot off Justin Verlander in the fifth inning Friday night against the Houston Astros.

Judge reached the milestone in his 810th career game, besting Philadelphia slugger Ryan Howard, who did it in 2010 in his 855th game.

Leading off the fifth, Judge sent the first pitch to the train tracks above the left-field stands to extend New York’s lead to 6-2. Judge smiled broadly as he rounded the bases and was greeted at the dugout with high-fives from many of his teammates.

It was the 30th homer of the season for Judge, who missed nearly two months with a toe injury. The 2022 AL MVP hit 62 last year, breaking Roger Maris’ American League record of 61 set in 1961.

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