Aaron Judge wasted no time making his mark for Team USA. Not even a single strike.
The three-time MVP homered on his very first swing of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, slugging a 3-0 sweeper deep to left center in the first inning to give the Americans an early lead in their eventual 15-5 win over Brazil at Daikin Park in Houston.
The two-run blast, which came against former D-backs prospect Bo Takahashi, traveled 405 feet and left Judge's bat at 106.5 mph.
It was also an instant glimpse of how potent this star-studded USA lineup can be. Royals All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. beat out an infield single to lead off the game, then stole second to set the table for the Yankees' slugger.
"Bobby Witt's up there and they are chanting 'USA,'" Judge said. "My heart was pounding in the on-deck circle.
"It was an unreal atmosphere. And looking forward to more moments like that as the tournament goes on."