Watch: Justin Verlander predicted Aaron Judge’s All-Star Game HR
Aaron Judge hit an impressive home run off Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer as part of the home run barrage that highlighted the 2018 MLB All-Star Game at Nationals Park in D.C.
Perhaps even more impressive, though, is how Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander predicted the New York Yankees slugger’s long-ball during a conversation in the dugout.
Judge went deep on Scherzer for a solo shot during the second inning to stake the American League to a 1-0 lead. Judge’s bomb was the first of a record 10 round-trippers in the AL’s 8-6 victory over the NL in 10 innings.
Verlander told Judge prior to the slugger’s at-bat against Scherzer that a home run was in order.
So @JustinVerlander called @TheJudge44's homer, on IG live.
Greatest prediction in ASG history? pic.twitter.com/pNye6NeBq0
— Cut4 (@Cut4) July 18, 2018
“‘I got a really good feeling, man,'” Judge said Verlander told him, via NJ.com. ‘I think you’re going to hit a homer in this at-bat. Just get ready.'”
Verlander’s prediction proved prophetic, as Judge unleashed a 399-foot bomb.
#MLB #Yankees Aaron Judge takes #Nationals Max Scherzer deep with a solo blast in the #AllStarGame pic.twitter.com/CL34d1D6py
— Matt Johnson (@MattJ_Sports) July 18, 2018
In a great twist, Yankees pitcher Luis Severino caught Judge’s home run ball while warming up in the bullpen.
“That was the best part,” Judge said of his teammate snagging the ball, which was later presented to him. “It was meant to be.”