Yankees’ Austin Wells turns victim of questionable interference call

Umpire points to Yankees catcher Austin Wells charging him with catcher's interference on a foul ball by Shohei Ohtani at Yankee Stadium, Oct 30, 2024.
Esteban Quiñones
Thursday October 31, 2024

Table of Contents

The Yankees’ defensive struggles continued to haunt them in the eighth inning of Game 5, sealing their fate in a one-run loss that clinched the World Series for the Dodgers. Holding a narrow 6-5 lead, New York faced mounting pressure as Enrique Hernandez and Tommy Edman opened the frame with consecutive singles off reliever Tommy Kahnle, followed by a four-pitch walk to Will Smith, loading the bases.

With no margin for error, manager Aaron Boone called on Luke Weaver, but the Dodgers wasted no time exploiting the situation. Gavin Lux promptly hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Hernandez to score and tie the game. Then, in a costly turn, Austin Wells was charged with catcher’s interference on a foul ball by Shohei Ohtani, gifting the Dodgers another baserunner after the Yankees’ challenge failed.

Mookie Betts capitalized on the error with a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Edman and putting the Dodgers up 7-6. Though Weaver struck out Freddie Freeman to end the inning, the damage had been done, as defensive lapses combined with timely Dodgers hitting to erase the Yankees’ lead.

This sequence was emblematic of New York’s struggles throughout the series, with crucial mistakes repeatedly providing the Dodgers extra chances and, ultimately, deciding the Yankees’ postseason fate.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x

Join the Pinstripes Nation!

Your Daily Dose of Yankees Magic Delivered to Your Inbox.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Don't Miss Any of the Latest Yankees News, Rumors, and Exclusive Offers!