Infield fly and interference call loom large during 1st inning of Yankees-Angels game

JOE REEDY
Updated ·3-min read

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — An infield fly and interference call loomed large in a game for the second time in less than a week.

This time it was the New York Yankees and Juan Soto.

The Yankees had the bases loaded with no outs in the first inning Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Angels when they were done in by an unconventional double play.

Despite the strange start to the game, the Yankees were able to rally for a 2-1 victory.

“A tough way to start things when you load the bases there in the first inning and you’ve got a good pitcher on the ropes. But by the letter of the law it was probably the right call,” said New York manager Aaron Boone, who was ejected.

Giancarlo Stanton hit a high popup near the bag at second. Umpires called an infield fly, but Soto bumped into Angels shortstop Zach Neto with his hip as he tried to get back to second base, causing Neto to lose track of the ball and it landing in the infield.

Second base umpire Vic Carapazza ruled that Soto interfered with Neto, leading to the second out.

“Obviously, a wonky play. Once Juan commits to getting there and he’s trying to stay out of the way, if Neto catches it, he might catch it on the bag for a double play. It’s like, `Where do you go?'" Boone said.

Carapazza said in a pool report after the game that it was his opinion that Soto didn't intentionally make contact with Neto to interfere, but Soto was not standing on the base, which is the only time the baserunner is protected.

“I had him interfering with the infielder and called the infield fly first, which now the batter is out. The interference after that was the second out,” Carapazza said.

Neto also agreed that Soto wasn't trying to interfere. It was just bad timing.

“There was no intention for me to get in his way or him to get in my way, the play just happened and I was trying to catch the ball,” Neto said. “It just got a little behind me. The umpire said every big league shortstop catches that ball. I was trying to catch it and he happened to be there.”

Boone came out to argue the call and was ejected by Carapazza. It was Boone's third ejection of the season and 36th of his career.

Tyler Anderson and the Angels got out of the inning unscathed when Alex Verdugo grounded out.

Bench coach Brad Ausmus, who managed the Angels in 2019, took over after Boone was ejected.

Last Thursday in Chicago, umpires ruled White Sox designated runner Andrew Vaughn interfered with Orioles' shortstop Gunnar Henderson on a popup by Andrew Benintendi, ending the game, won by Baltimore 8-6.

MLB said after that game that there is some discretion to not call interference, but Carapazza said that did not apply here.

“I called the infield fly rule first, which now the batter is out. That was not the case of that (White Sox-Orioles) play. It’s a little bit different,” Carapazza said.

Boone, like White Sox manager Pedro Grifol, is hoping MLB can provide even more clarity on interference plays.

“I mean, the sequence matters. But hopefully maybe we can get to revisit a little bit,” Boone said. “Juan is in jeopardy of getting doubled off, and if he doesn't get there and if you don't nail the get back the exact way, he gets stuck with Neto probably misjudging a little bit. But what do you do as a runner there?”

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next

Latest stories

  • Gareth Southgate: ‘I am the problem’

    Gareth Southgate has admitted being England’s major problem at the European Championship, plunging his future as manager in doubt beyond the tournament.

  • Transfer news LIVE! Arsenal move for Kounde rejected, Gyokeres; Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea; Man Utd eye De Ligt

    Follow the latest deals, updates, rumours and gossip across the summer window

  • Euro 2024 last 16: tie-by-tie analysis

    The first knockout stage has some intriguing matches, including Spain against Georgia and France taking on Belgium

  • Arsenal confirm summer transfer as newest signing reveals key reason behind move

    The Gunners have bolstered their goalkeeping ranks as they continue to plan for a bright future

  • Euro 2024: Last-16 fixtures, results, knockout schedule, group standings

    Knockout stages are now set for Euro 2024

  • Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo saved by stewards as fan jumps from stands at Euro 2024

    Cristiano Ronaldo was at the centre of another European Championship security scare after a fan almost landed on him jumping from the stands.

  • LeBron James' son Bronny drafted by dad's LA Lakers

    Bronny James is picked by the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA draft, bringing his father LeBron's dream of playing alongside his son a step closer.

  • NBA Draft: Lakers select Tennessee star Dalton Knecht with No. 17 overall pick after surprising slide

    Dalton Knecht, 23, was the oldest player selected in the draft when the Lakers picked him at No. 17.

  • 2024 NBA Draft: Winners and losers from the first round, featuring the Spurs, Grizzlies and France

    Here is a stab at a first draft of history — a thumbnail sketch of who had a pretty good first night of the 2024 NBA Draft, and who might wind up looking back at the evening wistfully, with some regret.

  • France to face Belgium in last-16 at Euro 2024 as line-up takes shape

    France and Belgium, the world's second and third best teams respectively in the Fifa rankings, will meet in the last-16 at Euro 2024 next Monday in Dusseldorf after the line-up for the knockout stages was completed on Wednesday night. Georgia, who are competing at the competition for the first time, beat Portugal 2-0 to move into the last-16 where they will face Spain. "I don't have a lot of words so I will try to stay basic and say that I'm so proud of the players because what an image they hav

  • 2024 NBA Draft grades: First-round pick-by-pick analysis

    Here are Yahoo Sports' complete first-round draft grades.

  • Ohtani contemplating the Home Run Derby amid record-breaking RBI streak with the Dodgers

    Shohei Ohtani is rolling along for the Los Angeles Dodgers at the moment. When it comes to the Home Run Derby, well, stay tuned. Ohtani hit a leadoff drive against the Chicago White Sox for the second straight night on Wednesday, extending his RBI streak to a franchise-record 10 games.

  • England players’ families caught in crossfire of Southgate backlash and showered with beer at Euros

    England players’ families were soaked “from all angles” when caught in the crossfire of fans throwing plastic beer cups after the Euro 2024 draw against Slovenia on Tuesday.

  • Why Finns are deadly serious about hobby horsing

    A buzz of excitement crackled through the hushed arena as the rider gripped the reins of her stuffed steed.Welcome to the strangely exacting world of hobby horsing, the Finnish sport guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Immaculately-coiffed equestrians leap athletically over fences just like in horse jumping, going as fast as they can against the clock straddling their stick steeds.Things are more stately in the dressage, with riders trotting their stick horses with intricately decorated stuffed heads before the discerning eyes of the judges.Some 260 riders from 22 countries -- most women and girls aged between 10 and 20 -- turned up to compete at the 11th annual Finnish championship held in the town of Seinajoki.But despite its vast international reach, from the Arctic to Argentina, hobby horsing is a sport that dares not speak its name.- 'Insane' athleticism -Despite its soaring popularity, it is not officially recognised as a proper sport in its birthplace."We have faced so much bullying and judgement," rider Nara Arlin, 24, told AFP."We know what everyone in the hobby horsing has been through... I think that is the main thing that pulls us together."First invented in Finland more than a decade ago, hobby horsing has taken off at a gallop across the globe. "It is growing every year," said Julia Mikkonen, the chair of the Finnish hobby horse association.This year's championship was "the biggest we have had so far", she added.Beyond the whimsy, great strength and skill is required to jump the obstacles while holding the hobby horse. Some top competitors could give elite hurdlers or gymnasts a run for their money."If you jump over obstacles your hip mobility has to be absolutely insane," said Mikkonen, 20, with some fences up to 110 centimetres (3.6 feet) tall. - 10,000 enthusiasts -"Of course we are all dreaming of having a world championship one day," said Mikkonen, who estimates there are around 10,000 hobby horsers globally."I am still a bit breathless but I am happy with my performance", said 19-year-old Jojo Hanninen as she sat down after her dressage event. To succeed in the sport you have to channel your inner centaur, she said."In hobby horsing, my legs are the horse... I am both horse and human," she said. Hanninen's hobby horse is a grey called Toope, with glittery reins and pink ribbons adorning its white mane.- Welcoming community -Competitors go to great lengths with their horses -- which are also exhibited and judged -- modelling and sewing the heads and adorning them with decorations.  "Hobby horses are art," said Arlin, who makes her own.With the cheers of the crowd still ringing in her ears after an impressive show jumping round, she hailed the sport as "the best hobby ever"."You are doing so many things with your hands, brain and the whole body."Like many of her peers, Arlin found hobby horsing through play as a child. "But the older I became, it became more serious," said the rider, who trains by riding real horses, working out in the gym and doing pole dancing.Rainbow flags in the arena reflected the tolerant values underpinning the community.   "Horses are mostly seen as a girls' sport, but that is not correct. Anyone can come no matter what gender," Mikkonen said.   Every enthusiast AFP spoke to praised the welcoming community that kept them devoted to hobby horsing despite the scornful attitudes all encountered at some point."We have each other's backs," said Arlin. ank/po/fg/smw

  • Numbers game: 10 statistics that tell the story of Euro 2024’s group stage

    England rank 20th out of 24 in attempts on goal but third in passing accuracy and first in crossing accuracy

  • 'Criminal Minds' Fans, See Why Paget Brewster Just Called Out Shemar Moore

    'Criminal Minds: Evolution' star Paget Brewster called out her former co-star Shemar Moore by posting a screenshot of their texts on Twitter.

  • Max Verstappen pledges future to Red Bull despite Mercedes rumours

    Max Verstappen said: ‘Yes, we’re already also working on next year’s car,’ when asked directly if he would be at Red Bull in 2025

  • Washington Wizards take French 7-footer Alex Sarr with the No. 2 pick in the NBA draft

    Alex Sarr will obviously face some pressure as the No. 2 pick in the NBA draft. “We're not going to put a specific timeline on the rebuild here,” Wizards general manager Will Dawkins said. The Wizards drafted Sarr with the second pick Wednesday night, using their highest selection in 14 years to add some much-needed size to a team that won only 15 games last season.

  • Slovakia scouting report: The ex-coffee salesman plotting England’s downfall

    England will undoubtedly be the favourites for their round of 16 meeting with Slovakia at Euro 2024, but they must not be overconfident. Slovakia are potentially tricky opponents for Gareth Southgate’s team, and there are plenty of reasons for England to be concerned.

  • Euro 2024 today: Which teams qualified for the knock-outs and who has been eliminated

    Euro 2024 has reached the last-16 stage and England are amongst the remaining teams. But it has been far from smooth sailing. Dire performances in the group games culminated in disgruntled England fans throwing plastic beer cups at Gareth Southgate following a 0-0 draw with Slovenia and players’ families were soaked “from all angles” after getting caught in the crossfire.