Yankees’ Aaron Boone and DJ LeMahieu Ejected Over Controversial Foul Ball Call in Extra-Innings Loss
During a tense moment in the 10th inning of the game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Friday, manager Aaron Boone and second baseman DJ LeMahieu were shown the door for their protests over a controversial foul ball call. The Yankees’ 2-1 loss at the hands of the Red Sox marked a pivotal turn in the game, as the players’ dissent over the umpire’s decision brought the narrative to the forefront.
The incident began when LeMahieu, batting in the top of the 10th inning with two outs, slashed a drive down the right field line off Red Sox reliever Garrett Whitlock. The first base umpire, Jeremie Rehak, ruled the ball foul, a call that LeMahieu disagreed with. The normally composed LeMahieu ran down the first baseline with visible frustration, prompting Coach Boone to challenge the umpire’s decision in an attempt to overturn the call.
Despite the extended review by the umpires, the initial call was upheld. Boone’s outrage after hearing the outcome led to an emotional reaction, including yelling at the umpires, throwing his hands in frustration, and even removing the gum from his mouth and tossing it onto the field. These actions did not go unnoticed, and home plate umpire John Tumpane promptly ejected Boone from the game. LeMahieu, already discontented with the call, was also ejected after he voiced his displeasure to the umpire, marking his first ejection in a 15-year MLB career. According to NJ Advance Media, LeMahieu told the first base umpire, ‘That was a brutal call,’ which further escalated the situation.
The Yankees, unable to score in the 10th inning, saw the Red Sox walk them off to take the first game of the series. The Yankees’ frustration was evident, as they now have a crucial second game against the Red Sox scheduled for 7:15 ET the following night on FOX. Both teams are set to face off again, with their ongoing rivalry continuing to heat up in the aftermath of this controversial moment in the game.