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The New York Yankees left Milwaukee with a 15-5 win over the Brewers on Sunday to take two games in a three-game set. One particular call from that matchup is now being scrutinized.
During the sixth inning of play, Aaron Judge broke up a double play in a potentially illegal manner, swatting the baseball during his slide as it was thrown from second base down to first.
Most believed the call should’ve been made to award Milwaukee the double play. Instead, the umpiring crew said that the blocked ball was the result of the natural motion of Judge’s slide.
Aaron Judge with the… block? pic.twitter.com/ZkzEL5TsXg
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 28, 2024
Looking at the final box score, you wouldn’t think that this particular play had much effect on the final outcome, but that might be up for debate.
The play occurred with the teams tied at 4-4, and the Yankees would use the extra out to spark a seven-run inning. Each of those runs crossed the plate with two outs on the board.
The game quickly shifted from nail biter to blowout with New York taking an 11-4 advantage. Had the call been made in the opposite direction, the disastrous inning might’ve never been!
Aaron Judge didn’t see anything wrong with the slide.
After the game, he said as much in an interview.
“You can look back at any picture you want of me sliding into second base,” he responded when questioned. “That’s always happened.”
Aaron Judge on his slide:
“You can look back at any picture you want of me sliding into second base. That’s always happened”
(via @YESNetwork) pic.twitter.com/vhCp45DS3i
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) April 28, 2024
The umpires saw things differently after seeing postgame replays, but unfortunately, they weren’t given the chance to realize that change of heart in real time. The play wasn’t reviewable!
The crew, which initially ruled in favor of Judge, admitted to its mistake when the game was over. Too little, too late!
“On the field we got together and did the best we could to come up with a correct answer,” crew chief Andy Fletcher said. “After looking at it on replay, it appears that the call was missed. It was an unnatural part of his slide.”
Crew chief Andy Fletcher said they missed the call on Judge’s slide.
“On the field we got together and did the best we could to come up with a correct answer. After looking at it on replay, it appears that the call was missed. It was an unnatural part of his slide.”
— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) April 28, 2024
Tough break for the Brewers.