Josh Donaldson goes into home run trot, only to be thrown out at first in Yankees' playoff opener
Pete CalderaNEW YORK — Josh Donaldson has been here before this year, mistaking a long fly ball for a home run at Yankee Stadium.
On Tuesday night, it happened in Game 1 of the AL Division Series.
Leading off the Yankees’ half of the fifth inning against Cleveland Guardians’ starter Cal Quantrill, in a 1-1 game, the right-handed hitting Donaldson sent a deep drive to right.
But the friendliest spot at the Stadium for a hitter wasn’t quite cozy enough for Donaldson.
Donaldson’s drive bounced off the very top of the wall and right fielder Oscar Gonzalez relayed the ball back to the infield.
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“I thought for sure it was a home run,” teammate Anthony Rizzo said.
The veteran Donaldson was already into his home run trot, having slapped hand with first base coach Travis Chapman, when he slammed on the brakes between first and second.
Seeing the ball had been relayed to shortstop Amed Rosario, Donaldson tried to beat it back to first base, but was tagged out.
The play was upheld on video review, keeping it a tie game.
“Donaldson probably took his eye off it for a second,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Now and then, you’ve got to say something. I’ve not said something yet.”
Moments later, Isiah Kiner-Falefa took third base after Gonzalez misplayed his line single to right and scored on Jose Trevino’s sac fly for a 2-1 Yankees lead.
“I’m glad it didn’t end up hurting us,” Boone said.
The Yankees won the game, 4-1.
