Nobody was happy during the penultimate at-bat of the Yankees’ 6-5 win over the Royals in Game 1 of the ALDS.
Yankees reliever Luke Weaver — and since the end of the season, the team’s closer — struck out Royals superstar Bobby Witt Jr. in a dramatic eight-pitch battle.
Facing a full count, Weaver threw a 96-mph fastball that appeared to be below the strike zone.
Bobby Witt Jr. strikes out during the Yankees’ Game 1 win over the Royals on Oct. 5, 2024. ScreengrabBut home plate umpire Adam Hamari called Witt out on strikes, much to his displeasure.
He had dropped his bat and began running to first base, believing he had earned a walk, before Hamari signaled the strikeout.
Witt — who has been Aaron Judge’s main rival for American League MVP this year — turned around and shared a few words with Hamari.
Aaron Boone reacts during the Yankees’ Game 1 win over the Royals on Oct. 5, 2024. Screengrab
Prior to the final pitch, Hamari warned the Yankees’ dugout after their own complaints.
Weaver threw an 89-mph changeup that appeared to be above the zone, and Hamari called it a ball.
But Yankees players shouted their displeasure from the dugout and Harami subsequently shouted back.
Bobby Witt Jr. reacts during his final at-bat in the Royals’ Game 1 loss to the Yankees on Oct. 5, 2024. ScreeengrabYankees manager Aaron Boone appeared to tell his team to stop yelling.
After striking out Witt, Weaver forced Vinnie Pasquantino into a grounder to first to end the game.
Game 2 is set to start at 7:38 pm Monday in The Bronx.
