please generate summary with 10 sentences from httpswwwespncommlbstory_id36005402aaron-judge-picks-where-left-homers-1st-bat

Aaron Judge picked up right where he left off before the All-Star break, hitting a home run in his first at-bat back with the New York Yankees. Judge's home run was his 22nd of the season and gave the Yankees an early lead against the Boston Red Sox. The 29-year-old slugger has now homered in three straight games and leads the American League in home runs. Judge also became the first player in Yankees history to homer in his first plate appearance after the All-Star break in back-to-back seasons. Despite Judge's efforts, the Yankees fell to the Red Sox 5-4 in the series opener. The loss dropped the Yankees to 46-44 on the season, 8.5 games behind the first-place Red Sox in the AL East. The Yankees have been plagued by injuries and inconsistent play this season. Judge is one of the few bright spots for the team, as he continues to produce at an All-Star level. The Yankees will need Judge to stay hot if they hope to climb back into the playoff race.