Rays sweep Yankees after disputed fan-interference call
The Tampa Bay Rays beat the New York Yankees 4-3 at Yankee Stadium on October 7, completing a sweep in the American League Division Series and ending New York’s season.
Victor Mesa Jr. gave the Rays a key cushion with a two-run home run in the sixth inning, putting Tampa Bay ahead 4-2.
In the bottom half, Yankees infielder Anthony Volpe came to bat with two outs and George Lombard Jr. on first. He drove a 95 mph pitch from Rays reliever Griffin Jax toward the left-field wall.
A fan reached over the fence as Mesa tried to make the catch. The ball went into the seats, and umpires initially ruled it a game-tying home run.
After a replay review, the call was changed to an RBI double. Lombard scored, but Volpe stayed at second, leaving the Yankees one run behind.
Spencer Jones struck out to end the threat. New York did not score again, and Tampa Bay held on for the one-run win.
The result gave the Rays a 3-0 series victory over their American League East rivals. The disputed call became the defining moment of the Yankees’ final game.
Reporting
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