The Yankees won a thriller on Wednesday night to clinch a playoff spot, escaping trouble in the bottom of the 10th to win 2-1 in Seattle.
The Yanks were aided by yet another baserunning blunder by the Mariners, this time Julio Rodriguez, who was thrown out at third after dodging Randy Arozarena’s airborne bat off a swing and miss. Rodriguez jumped into foul territory to evade the projectile, but didn’t make a move back to third until he was already gunned down by Austin Wells.
Boomer and Gio couldn’t believe it, especially coming off a night in which Victor Robles was thrown out with a 3-0 count and the bases loaded with two outs in Tuesday’s loss.
“He had a brain cramp. He had a Will Levis,” Boomer said of Rodriguez’s blunder. “Someone needs to remind him that the play was live. But Austin Wells was great. He was Johnny on the Spot.”
Third base coach Manny Acta had a front row seat for both baserunning gaffes, both of which Boomer thought were among the worst decisions he has ever seen on a baseball diamond.
“That guy saw two of the most horrific plays in Seattle Mariners history,” Boomer said.
“That bat came close to him, but he almost went into the dugout,” Gio added. “Where are you going man?”