TAMPA, Fla. — A heated dispute arose between Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees, and officials following a controversial call during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Judge hit a towering changeup from pitcher Eric Orze that sailed down the left-field line at Steinbrenner Field.
The ball appeared to fly over the foul pole, but umpires declared it a foul ball. Upon review, the decision was upheld, leaving Judge and Yankees manager Aaron Boone adamant that it should have been Judge’s eighth home run of the season.
“Everyone’s puzzled, but there’s nothing I can do. They missed it, and we need to move on,” Judge commented after the Yankees secured a 4-0 victory. Frustration mounted when Boone was ejected following a strikeout call by plate umpire Adam Beck on the subsequent pitch.
“It’s amazing the call stood,” Boone remarked. “I understand it was high, but they went to replay, and apparently, there wasn’t enough conclusive evidence, so we’re stuck with it.” Judge confronted Beck after the strikeout, prompting Boone’s ejection, which led him to argue with third base umpire Scott Barry.
Boone’s ejection marked his 40th career dismissal and the first of this season. “That ball was fair, and that’s why replay exists,” Judge insisted. “It’s challenging with lower foul poles in minor league parks, but replay should capture every angle. It was a poor call.”
Judge, a two-time AL MVP, is enjoying a strong season with a .390 batting average and leading the majors with 25 RBIs. Teammate Cody Bellinger was floored by Judge’s power, noting the ball landed far beyond the outfield.
“That was probably the furthest I’ve ever seen a ball hit,” Bellinger said, adding to the ongoing marvel at Judge’s prowess at the plate.