LOS ANGELES – When Juan Soto hit a single into right field to start the ninth inning, the visitors’ dugout at Dodger Stadium exploded with joy and celebration.

Although the New York Yankees were only able to get two hits from Soto against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday night, they were down by three runs in Game 2 of the World Series. Suddenly, their most powerful hitter, Giancarlo Stanton, was on deck representing the tying run.

Then Aaron Judge stepped up to bat.

Normally, that would be a moment of excitement for the Yankees this season. Yet, after a long wait of nearly ten years to play in the World Series, Judge is at risk of an early exit, partly due to his own struggles.

As he faced Dodgers closer Blake Treinen, Judge swung wildly at the first delivery, a challenging sweeping pitch that veered out of the strike zone. He then watched the second pitch – a slider that hit the outside corner. Finally, one pitch later, he reached out unsuccessfully at another sweeping pitch that was well outside and below the strike zone.

This marked Judge’s sixth strikeout in nine at-bats this World Series, and his 19^th in 40 at-bats during the postseason, highlighting his struggles further when the Yankees managed to get runners on base but failed to score, losing 4-2.

As they packed up in the visitor’s clubhouse at Dodger Stadium for the long flight back home, they held onto hope for Game 3 at Yankee Stadium on Monday night. Yet, a sign of life from their captain and likely American League MVP, like a solid at-bat or a home run, would mean so much more.

Judge, who stands 6’7″ and hit 58 home runs this season with an impressive 1.159 OPS, is acutely aware of the situation.

“I definitely need to step up. I have to do my part,” Judge acknowledged late Saturday as the team was preparing to leave Los Angeles. “The guys around me are doing their jobs and getting on base.

“And I’m letting them down, not supporting them.”

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While two games are not a definitive measure, October is unforgiving. Judge is currently 1 for 9 in this World Series, but the six strikeouts are particularly alarming.

These slump details suggest a player who is struggling with his mechanics and perhaps feeling the pressure. According to teammates, Judge is not feeling overwhelmed.

However, Judge himself acknowledges the need to adapt, stating that he must take what the game offers, even if it means drawing walks. Whether this reflects pressure depends on one’s point of view.

“He’s got time to help us win some games,” Stanton remarked.

But how can he help – especially if Judge is swinging at everything?

The 6’6″ Stanton illustrated his point by cupping his hands together, forming a heart shape.

“You have to expand your hitting zone,” he explained. “When that happens, it feels like the strike zone is bigger, and you have to narrow it down.

“He’s going to help us win some games here.”

Indeed, Judge is trying to remain positive, despite his struggles impacting the team. He believes they are close to fixing the issues.

That approach is hopeful, especially considering Judge’s tough start to the season before he hit his stride, leading the Yankees to an AL East title.

How can one regain their confidence and technique when facing potential elimination in just two losses?

“It’s all about one at-bat,” said Soto, who has three hits and a homer in two games. “I know it’s tough, but when you’re as talented as he is – one of the greats – it could just take one at-bat to get him locked in.

“Whenever he makes solid contact or takes a good pitch, that can spark his rhythm. It may take some time for some, but with someone like him, one at-bat is all it takes.”

When Judge is not performing, it significantly impacts the entire Yankees team.

A team known for leading major leagues in home runs and runs scored was limited to just four hits in Game 2 – mostly due to Soto’s powerful home run in the third inning.

Following Soto’s run, Judge was next up and popped a harmless fly ball to right field, caught by Mookie Betts, leading to 11 consecutive outs by Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Yamamoto pitched effectively, continuing a dominant series after Jack Flaherty’s excellent performance in Game 1, yielding only Stanton’s two-run homer. The Dodgers’ careful pitching tactics have affected the Yankees’ top hitter.

“Sometimes you want to force things rather than allow the game to unfold,” Judge reflected. “When you see Gleyber on base, and Juan getting on, it’s natural to want to make something happen. But if the pitch isn’t in your zone, you have to take the walks and set it up for guys behind you.

“I really need to focus on hitting strikes,” he shared.

During April, he recorded a batting average of .207 with an OPS of .754, but by the end of the season, he made up for it.

“It’s all consistent,” Judge commented. “You just run out of time with the games that are left.”