Fan Interference Costs Yankees Key Run in ALDS Loss to Rays
Yankees’ Anthony Volpe denied tying homer due to fan interference, leading to ALDS sweep by Rays.
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Anthony Volpe’s potential tying home run in Game 3 of the AL Division Series was nullified by fan interference, marking a pivotal moment in the Yankees’ 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. The decision, made after a replay review, ended the Yankees’ season in a three-game sweep.
Volpe’s Swing and the Fan’s Impact
With the Yankees’ season on the line, Volpe hit a towering drive to left field in the sixth inning. The ball appeared destined for a home run, but a replay review determined that a fan reached over the wall to catch the ball, altering the outcome. The call overturned the home run, and Volpe was awarded an RBI double instead, scoring George Lombard Jr. and trimming the Rays’ lead to 4-3.
Replay Review and Team Reactions
Replay umpire Malachi Moore made the call at MLB’s Replay Center, and both managers and players largely agreed with the decision. New York skipper Aaron Boone acknowledged the call was correct, stating, “I thought they got it right.” Rays manager Kevin Cash explained the ruling, noting that the runner had passed second base before the ball was interfered with, leading to the decision to score one run and place Volpe at second base.
A Moment in Yankees’ History
The incident echoed a similar moment from 30 years ago when a fan reached over the wall to catch a ball hit by Derek Jeter in the 1996 American League Championship Series. That call, without a replay system, benefited the Yankees, who went on to win the World Series. This time, the Yankees were on the wrong side of the ruling, with Volpe expressing disappointment: “I mean, we lost. That’s what we’re dealing with now.”
Aftermath and Security Response
The fan who interfered with the ball was escorted out of the stadium by security and police. The play was initially ruled a two-run home run, but the review changed the outcome. The Yankees’ season ended in a sweep, with the loss marking a significant moment in their playoff campaign.
Source: OANN
