Judge, Bird go back-to-back for Trenton

The Yankees dynasty of the late 90's was formed around a group of talented homegrown prospects that moved through the Minor Leagues together and developed into perennial Major League All-Stars.

While any comparisons to the Core Four would be premature, the Yankees of the future may be plying their craft together in Double-A Trenton.

Slugging outfielder Aaron Judge and first baseman Greg Bird hit back-to-back homers, catching prospect Gary Sanchez collected three hits and two RBIs and center fielder Mason Williams reached base four times and scored three runs to lead the Thunder to an 8-2 win over the host Portland Sea Dogs on Sunday.

"There are a lot of guys on this team that have a really bright future," said Bird. "We really enjoy playing with each other. They're all such good guys and friends. They're guys I've been playing with for the last few years and that makes it even more fun. Playing with your buddies and playing baseball, it's a blast. It doesn't get much better than that."

Judge, the top Yankees position prospect finished 2-for-4 with a two-run homer, a double, three runs scored and two RBIs and a walk. His fifth-inning homer off Sea Dogs starter Justin Haley was the third of the season and the 20th of his career. Bird, ranked fourth on New York's farm, followed with a long ball of his own, taking consecutive curveballs before smacking the 1-1 fastball over the right-center field fence.

"That's a good feeling to see [Judge] do well and then go back-to-back," said the 22-year-old. "I always try to stay in the middle of the field and looking for something to drive. I put a good swing on it. My plan is based off the fastball, even when they come off-speed early in the count, you have to be ready for the fastball."

The Colorado native, who was 2-for-4 with three RBIs, a walk and a run scored, has reached base via a hit or a walk in 15 of 16 Eastern League games to begin the year, and he has posted multi-hit performances in three of his past five starts.

"We lost the last two, so we wanted to finish the series on a good note," said Bird, one of the five Yankees prospects in Trenton ranked among the organization's top eight. "I've been feeling a lot better and I feel like I'm sticking to my plan and getting good pitches to hit.

"I've been staying within myself. I did a good job of swinging at strikes today and I'm happy with that. That is my plan going into every day. It has been a really good April. I want to finish it out strong and see what May holds, but so far, so good."

First-rounder Judge, MLB.com's No. 67 overall prospect and 2011 fifth-round Draft pick Bird were not the only Baby Bombers to stuff the box score. Top catching prospect Sanchez (no. 7 overall for the Yankees) doubled twice, singled, plated two runs and drew a walk out of the fifth spot in the order and center fielder Mason Williams, ranked 26th in the organization's top 30, was 2-for-3 with a pair of walks and three runs scored.

With all the offensive firepower in Trenton's lineup, it's maybe no surprise to see a number of Thunder hitters among the league leaders in several offensive categories. Judge, who celebrated his 23rd birthday Sunday, ranks second in homers, hits (21) and total bases (35). Bird is tied for first with six doubles, Williams shares the league lead with eight stolen bases and Eric Jagielo is second in extra-base hits (nine).

Only Reading has scored more runs (79) than Trenton's 77 and just New Hampshire has more long balls (16) than the Thunder's dozen.

Trenton has a league-best 7-2 record when scoring first and is a perfect 10-0 when leading after six frames. Starter Miguel Sulbaran (2-0) made the most of the early scoring, working with the lead all afternoon and allowing two runs on four hits and four walks while striking out four batters over 5 1/3 innings.

Haley (0-3) surrendered six runs on eight hits over 4 2/3 innings. He walked four batters and recorded one strikeout.