Aaron Judge hits two doubles vs. Pirates, raises batting average to AL's best in chase for Triple Crown

The Yankees slugger will have another chance to tie Roger Maris' AL single-season record of 61 home runs on Thursday

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge did not go deep Wednesday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates (NYY 14, PIT 2) and remains on 60 home runs for the season. Judge did have a productive night at the plate -- 2 for 4 with two doubles and a walk -- though he remains one behind Roger Maris' American League single-season record of 61 homers in 1961.

Judge launched his 60th home run of the season in his final at-bat Tuesday. Here's the AL's single-season home run leaderboard:

1. Roger Maris, 1961 Yankees: 61
   
2. Aaron Judge, 2022 Yankees: 60 and counting
3. Babe Ruth, 1927 Yankees: 60
4. Babe Ruth, 1921 Yankees: 59
5. Jimmie Foxx, 1932 Athletics: 58
6. Hank Greenberg, 1938 Tigers: 58
   

Judge is averaging a home run every 2.47 team games in 2022 and is on pace to hit 66 (the Yankees have 14 games remaining). He's been on another level in September, however. Judge entered Wednesday hitting .491 with nine homers in his last 15 games as he eyes the AL Triple Crown in addition to the home run record.

Regarding that Triple Crown, Judge raised his batting average to an AL best .317 with his two doubles Wednesday (Xander Bogaerts is second in the batting race at .316). His season batting line sits at an incredible .317/.421/.705. Judge is the first player to lead his league in all three Triple Crown categories in September since Miguel Cabrera won the Triple Crown in 2012.

Judge and the Yankees open a four-game series with the rival Boston Red Sox at home Thursday night. The Red Sox are slated to start Michael Wacha in the opener. Judge has really struggled in his career against the veteran righty, going 0 for 14 with a walk and nine strikeouts. Wacha has allowed one home run every 10 innings in 2022.

Wednesday's win improved the AL East-leading Yankees to 90-58. They will clinch a postseason berth with their next win.