The New York Yankees crushed the Oakland Athletics to secure a series win in a long while. A relatively weaker A’s could not put up a significant fight and went down hard on the Bombers’ home turf. In the final matchup of the three-game series, the Yankees, otherwise struggling offensively, redeemed itself and helped the team record a thumping victory by 11-3.
Harrison Bader, DJ LeMahieu, and Anthony Volpe scored a homer each, with Volpe smashing his first career grand slam. The Yankees built up a four-run lead in the first inning itself and capitalized on it by adding seven more runs in the fifth. Overall, the Bombers dominated the whole afternoon with sheer brilliance. However, a homer scored by Bader generated a lot of stir on social media, with many calling it “illegal.” Read on to know the full play.
Fans Interference Helps Yankees Record A Homer Against Athletics
The New York Yankees looked poised for a clean sweep series win against the Oakland Athletics as they took on the field on Wednesday. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers made their intent clear by putting up early runs on the board. Harrison Bader arrived on the plate with first and third base secured. A’s starter Kyle Muller pitched a four-seam fastball, and the center fielder launched it over right field to record a three-run home run. However, fans seated over the wall caused a disruption which prompted the umpires to recheck the play.
Apparently, Athletics outfielder JJ Bleday jumped in time to catch the ball right at the brim of the wall. However, a couple of fans seated just over the wall leaned forward and snatched the ball. The A’s protested, saying the homer should be disallowed under fan interference rules. However, after multiple checks, the match officials could not come up with conclusive evidence to prove that the fans actually came in line with the field to foil Bleday’s play. After a lengthy delay, the umpires ruled out any interference and awarded the Yankees a three-run homer based on inconclusive evidence. The decision sparked debates and discussions about the role of fan interference, the responsibility of umpires, and the impact of such controversial decisions on the outcome of the game.
Harrison Bader’s Thumping Return Has Got The Fans Excited
New York Yankees center fielder Harrison Bader missed out on a huge chunk of the ongoing MLB season due to an oblique injury. Despite the setback, Bader returned just in time to rescue the Bombers from a deep slump. The outfielder got reinstated last week and started in eight games till today. In those eight appearances, he has hit three home runs and two RBIs with a batting average of .462. The stats are as good as any player in their prime form.
Hence, it takes some sheer determination to score like that coming out of injury, and Harrison Bader has just got that. Moreover, hit hits and form have got the fans on their feet. The Yankee fan base finally found a reason to cheer after weeks-long of disappointment. Not only that, the ecstatic fans took to Twitter to express their joy and also appreciate Bader for his inspiring comeback. Now, with Bader and Aaron Judge back in the lineup, the Yankees will look forward to salvaging the damage dealt in the past few weeks.
