HOUSTON — When a vital League Championship Series game is decided by two runs and a controversial umpiring call was the difference between a two-run home run and an out, it's fair to say that call will be debated for some time.
That's where the Jose Altuve call will live for a while.
Trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the first inning, Altuve hit a blast toward the right-field fence. Mookie Betts had the ball measured and leaped at the wall and extended his glove for the ball. The ball caromed back onto the field as crew chief Joe West signaled fan interference and, once the play was over, signaled that Altuve was out. After a replay review, the call stood. Altuve was out, George Springer went back to first. The Astros would not score in the inning.
https://twitter.com/andersenreports/status/1052727918999363584
The rule on this play is Rule 6.01(e) — Spectator interference:
No interference shall be allowed when a fielder reaches over a fence, railing, rope or into a stand to catch a ball. He does so at his own risk. However, should a spectator reach out on the playing field side of such fence, railing or rope, and plainly prevent the fielder from catching the ball, then the batsman should be called out for the spectator’s interference.
Q: What did you see that prompted the initial call of fan interference?
West: "Well, when he jumped up to reach for the ball, the spectator reached out of the stands and hit him over the playing field and closed the glove.
Q: So the ball had not yet crossed the railing?
West: "No."
Q: And Betts' glove had not yet crossed the railing?
West: "No."
Q: Okay, did the fan...
West: "Here's the whole play. He hit the ball to right field. He jumped up to try to make a catch. The fan interfered with him over the playing field. That's why I called spectator interference.
Q: So it's a clear call in your mind?
West: "Yes."
Q: Were there already — was there a single call that you saw, that the replay official saw on replay that confirmed...
West: "I don't know what he saw. He just ... the replay official said I was right. ... That's all. He said I have nothing that can change it."
