In a highly-anticipated matchup at Yankee Stadium, the New York Mets employed a shrewd pitching strategy against Aaron Judge, leading them to a well-deserved 3-2 victory against their cross-town rivals on Tuesday night. The Mets now hold a perfect 3-0 record against the Yankees this season, with an opportunity to sweep the season series in Wednesday's game.

The Mets' approach was clear from the start - pitch around the red-hot slugger Judge and force someone else to step up and defeat them. And it worked to perfection. Judge found himself walked in each of his first four plate appearances, with the last intentional walk coming in the seventh inning. However, the Mets were able to strand him on base each time, effectively neutralizing his impact on the game. Judge's frustration was evident as he went on to strike out in the ninth inning.

This marked the fourth time in Judge's career that he has been walked four times in a game, and impressively, the second time this season. His impressive tally of 79 walks this season ranks him second in the majors, just behind his teammate Juan Soto's 81 walks.

Prior to the game, Judge had enjoyed some success against Mets starter Jose Quintana, with a double and a walk in his career against him. However, Quintana remained cautious this time around, throwing 12 balls out of the 14 pitches Judge faced, clearly not willing to challenge the powerful slugger. Judge acknowledged this strategy, understanding the need to "pass the baton to the next time."

Unfortunately for Judge, his teammates were unable to capitalize on the opportunities created by his walks. First baseman J.D. Davis, batting fourth in the lineup in an attempt to provide an offensive spark, struck out twice and grounded into a double play, failing to take advantage of the chances presented to him.

Mets manager Aaron Boone expressed his desire to settle the middle of the Yankees' batting order, hoping to find additional production from players other than Soto and Judge. With Giancarlo Stanton still on the injured list, Boone shuffled the lineup, giving Davis a start after his previous appearance as a pinch-hitter on July 4.

The Mets strategically chose to intentionally walk Judge in the seventh inning, opting to face pinch-hitter Ben Rice. Despite Rice's valiant effort in an eight-pitch at-bat, he ultimately flied out, followed by Anthony Volpe grounding into a fielder's choice, extinguishing the potential threat.

Although Judge admitted that the intentional walks were not particularly frustrating for him, stating that he wouldn't mind it as long as the team secures a win, he also acknowledged the importance of being ready to capitalize on any opportunities that arise.

In a dramatic ninth inning, Mets closer Jake Diekman provided a proper challenge for Judge. After a four-pitch walk to Soto, Judge took a fastball down the middle, fouled off a changeup, and then found himself caught looking at a fastball for a strikeout. Moments later, Rice grounded out to conclude the game, leaving Soto stranded on the bases.

With this victory, the Mets demonstrated their ability to effectively neutralize a powerhouse like Aaron Judge. The pitching strategy paid off, leaving the Yankees searching for answers as they face the possibility of a season series sweep at the hands of their crosstown rivals.