New York Yankees' Aaron Judge becomes first player to 40 home runs

The Yankees' Judge became the first player in the majors with 40 homers this season with a two-run drive against the Royals.

Judge robbed a home run from Melendez at the start of the game, and then hit an estimated 409-foot home run in the third to give the Yankees a three-run lead. It was his second home run in three at-bats after he hit a game-ending home run against Kansas City.

In his final season, the four-time All-Star is on pace for 64 home runs. Roger Maris set the club record in 1961. According to MLB.com, Judge, Maris and Babe Ruth are the only Yankees with at least 40 homers by the end of the month.

Kyle Schwarber was second in the majors with 32 homers. Judge hit a career-high 52 homers and won the American League rookies of the year.

Judge jumped and reached over the right-field wall in the first to prevent Melendez from scoring. Judge lifted his glove to confirm he made the catch after falling on the warning track. When he did, the stadium erupted.

The Royals were without a win in a third game. They hadn't scored in over a week when they blanked the Los Angeles Angels on Monday.