Pete Alonso’s potential game-tying home run was ruled foul in a controversial call during the Orioles‘ 5-3 loss to the Yankees, sparking fan outrage and debate over MLB’s replay system. The decision, upheld after review, left Orioles manager Craig Albernaz and players frustrated, with Alonso insisting the ball was fair based on video evidence.
Third-base umpire Will Little initially called it foul, a decision that stood after replay review by MLB’s Replay Operations Center.
The Disputed Call and Its Impact
Alonso’s 410-foot drive appeared to clear the foul pole, but umpire Will Little signaled foul before the play was reviewed. The Replay Operations Center in New York confirmed the call, stating they could not definitively determine the ball left the field in fair territory. It is what it is. The video room and the umpire at third base, they called it foul,
Alonso said, standing in the Orioles’ clubhouse after the game. That’s the only opinions that really matter.
The decision sent shockwaves through the Orioles’ dugout, with players and fans visibly frustrated. Manager Craig Albernaz expressed disbelief, noting the team’s access to ball-tracking data on dugout iPads. It’s not why we lost the game. But I think that moment was a big moment, especially [because] it takes a home run from us, and Pete, as well,
he said. The Orioles (61-66) have now lost three straight games, struggling to close the gap in the AL Wild Card race.
Alonso’s Verbatim Reactions
Alonso, who finished 1-for-4 with a solo home run, emphasized his belief the ball was fair. Looking at the video, the view from where the camera was pointing straight down the line, from what it looked like, it was to the right of the yellow and the pole,
he said. So I thought it was fair.
He also criticized the replay process, stating, But what I was told is that in order to overturn a call, you need to have two camera angles to confirm it… It is what it is… Obviously, that's a really defining call in the game.
Alonso’s frustration was echoed by fans, with one posting, Yeah, MLB is rigging the game right in front of us,
on social media. The Orioles’ 29-home run slugger, batting .267 with 82 RBIs, has been a key figure in Baltimore’s push for a playoff berth, but the missed opportunity left him disheartened. Obviously, it sucks for us. It sucks, yeah. It sucks,
he said.
The Replay Process and Its Controversy
MLB’s Replay Operations Center issued a statement clarifying their decision: After viewing all relevant angles, the Replay Official could not definitively determine that the ball left the playing field in fair territory.
The call stands, and it is a foul ball.
The first thing is, on the dugout iPads, there’s ball-tracking data with the field that the players see, so it’s really tough to have that come back as stands,
Albernaz said.
The call’s timing amplified its impact.
Fan and Media Reactions
The controversy dominated social media, with fans and analysts dissecting the call’s implications.
Alonso’s performance this season has been a bright spot, with projections of 36 home runs and 105 RBIs. However, the missed opportunity against the Yankees underscores the razor-thin margins in a competitive AL East. As the Orioles prepare for their matchup against the Rays, the question remains: will this call be a rallying point or a lingering stain on their playoff aspirations?
The incident has reignited debates about the reliability of MLB’s replay system, with fans and players alike questioning whether technology is failing to deliver accurate calls. As the season progresses, the Orioles will need to address such setbacks if they hope to turn their fortunes around.
