Explaining fan interference call in Yankees vs. Rays ALDS Game 3: Why Anthony Volpe’s hit was ruled a double

NEW YORK — Anthony Volpe tied Game 3 of the ALDS in the sixth inning, or so he and the Yankees thought. Volpe's would-be game-tying two-run home run against the Rays on Wednesday (GameTracker) was overturned on replay and ruled fan interference. A fan clearly reached over the left field wall and got his hands on the ball. Victor Mesa Jr. was under it and attempting to make a play.

The call was overturned and Volpe was awarded a run-scoring double. Rays manager Kevin Cash argued that the play should have been overturned into an out, but to no avail. Here's the play:

After replay review, the Yankees pull within a run on Anthony Volpe's RBI double! pic.twitter.com/6Fua0LNVBQ

A side angle replay showed clear evidence that the ball would not have gone over the fence for a home run, and instead would have remained in play. MLB Rule 6.0.1(e) covers spectator interference. Here is the rule, emphasis mine:

There is a difference between a ball which has been thrown or batted into the stands, touching a spectator thereby being out of play even though it rebounds onto the field and a spectator going onto the field or reaching over, under…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/