In a dramatic twist during Game 3 of the ALDS on Wednesday, Anthony Volpe of the New York Yankees appeared to tie the game with a two-run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays. However, the excitement was short-lived as the call was overturned due to fan interference.

A fan reached over the left field wall, making contact with the ball while Victor Mesa Jr. was in position to make the catch. The decision prompted Rays manager Kevin Cash to argue for an out instead, but the ruling stood. The MLB Replay Center cited clear evidence that the ball would not have cleared the fence, thus it was deemed to remain in play.

According to MLB Rule 6.0.1(e) regarding spectator interference:

• A ball that touches a spectator while in play is considered intentional interference.
• The batter and runners are placed based on umpire judgment on where they would have been without the interference.

In this instance, the Replay Official concluded that Mesa would not have caught the ball, placing Volpe at second base and allowing George Lombard Jr., who was running on contact, to score. Thus, a potential game-tying homer was downgraded to a double, leaving the Yankees trailing by one.

The Rays lead the series 2-0 and aim to complete the sweep in Game 3, while the Yankees strive to push the series to a Game 4 on Thursday.