Anthony Volpe had a tying home run overturned in the sixth inning of Game 3 on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium when umpires ruled a fan interfered with the ball, sealing a 4-3 victory that swept the New York Yankees out of the American League Division Series and advanced the Tampa Bay Rays.
Umpires Reverse Anthony Volpe’s Sixth-Inning Homer After Fan Interference
Trailing 4-2 with George Lombard Jr. on first base in the bottom of the sixth inning, Anthony Volpe hit a long fly ball to deep left field off Tampa Bay reliever Griffin Jax. The drive initially registered on the scoreboard as a two-run home run that would have tied Game 3 at 4-4, sending the Yankee Stadium crowd into a frenzy as Rays left fielder Victor Mesa Jr. jumped near the fence.
However, Mesa immediately pleaded for an interference call, prompting the umpires to trigger a crew review after a fan wearing a navy blue Yankees jacket reached beyond the wall and into the field of play.
Replay footage revealed the ball bounced off the spectator’s hands and directly into the seats.
Following a lengthy video review, the Replay Official overturned the home run ruling and awarded Volpe an RBI double, scored Lombard from first, and left the Yankees trailing 4-3.
Following the call, some spectators in the left-field stands threw debris onto the field, causing a brief delay before Spencer Jones struck out against Griffin Jax to officially conclude the frame.
The fan responsible for the interference was escorted out of the stadium by security personnel as the fallout from the reversed call rippled through the Bronx.
“After viewing all relevant angles, the Replay Official definitively determined the spectator interfered with the ball over the field of play. The ball would not have left the playing field nor would it have been caught. The call is OVERTURNED, there was spectator interference and no home run. Additionally, the Replay Official scored one run and placed the batter-runner at second.”
Major League Baseball, Replay Center statement via NBC Sports
Managers Aaron Boone and Kevin Cash React to the Overturned Call
Yankees manager Aaron Boone admitted he had immediate doubts about the ball’s trajectory as it left the bat, conceding that the officiating crew ultimately reached the correct conclusion upon review.
When he hit it, to my eye looking out there, I was a little concerned right away because it felt like something.
Aaron Boone, Yankees manager via CBS Sports
Boone added, And then seeing the replay and seeing it unfold, I thought they did the right thing. I thought they got it right.
Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash argued from the visiting dugout that the play merited an out rather than a double, pointing out that his outfielder was well-positioned.
Cash noted, I haven’t gone back and looked at it. The only thing I saw was what was shown on the scoreboard. I didn’t think the ball was going to get out, and then New York placed the runners where they were. I don’t know if he would have caught it or not caught it, the guy would have scored or not.
Mesa echoed that assessment, stating that he believed he had a realistic play on the ball before the spectator reached across the barrier.
Tampa Bay Rays Complete Sweep at Yankee Stadium
The overturned call proved decisive as New York stranded Volpe at second base, holding on for a 4-3 victory that finalized a three-game sweep of the American League Division Series. The victory sent the visiting clubhouse into a raucous celebration featuring champagne, beer, cigars, and players dancing to Frank Sinatra’s Theme from New York, New York
and Jay-Z’s Empire State of Mind.
Outfielder Ryan Vilade described the atmosphere by stating that he loves drinking beer and popping bottles because the team is special and plays for one another. Manager Kevin Cash emphasized that the team’s objective remains unchanged as they prepare for the next round.
The Rays now advance four wins away from their third Fall Classic appearance in franchise history.