Juan Soto delivers on All-Star Game promise but Aaron Judge falls short

The stage was set: Paul Skenes vs Juan Soto in the bottom of the first inning during the 2024 MLB All-Star Game. The outcome of this at-bat would determine whether another New York Yankees star, Aaron Judge, would get to the plate to face Skenes, which is what the people wanted to see.

Like Soto promised before the game, he made sure Judge got to face the Pirates right-hander. Soto fell behind in the count but ended up working a walk as he's known to do. The crowd was steeped with anticipation.

After all, the Globe Life Field spectators are no stranger to the Yankees slugger seizing a monumental moment. Judge hit his record-breaking 62nd home run at the ballpark back in 2022.

This time, though, Judge didn't come through. He swung at the first pitch and grounded into an easy fielder's choice to third base. Bummer. But, sadly, kind of what Yankees fans have come to expect in big games and pressure-packed moments.

While Judge throttling Skenes during the at-bat was unlikely, the matchup could've at least lasted longer than one pitch. That's all anybody really wanted — a prolonged at-bat with some sort of action.

Juan Soto delivers on All-Star Game promise but Aaron Judge falls short

Yes, we're supposed to be having fun. That's what the All-Star festivities are all about. And Judge was actually a delight with the media over the last couple of days. But this was the moment everybody was buzzing about before the game. The chatter was about a potential Judge vs Skenes matchup given they're arguably the two hottest names in the sport right now.

And it ended before it even started. Calls us cynics, but we already know this is being viewed as a letdown based on the responses on social media.

Judge was mic'ed up during the game in the third inning and watched Shohei Ohtani clobber a three-run homer off Tanner Houck while he was praising the Dodgers star.

At least a Red Sox player just hopefully made everybody forget about that lost opportunity in the first inning. Thanks, Boston.