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Yankees fans ejected after removing ball from Betts’ glove
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Yankees fans ejected after removing ball from Betts’ glove

Two Yankees fans were ejected in the first inning of Game 4 of the World Series Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium after teaming up with Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts in an attempt to prevent a catch in foul territory balls down the right field line.

The incident occurred when Yankees leadoff hitter Gleyber Torres threw a foul ball to right field. Betts ran to the stands and jumped to catch the ball against the side wall.

As he caught it, Betts’ glove grazed the face of a Yankees fan wearing a pinstripe jersey and Yankees cap. The fan wore sunglasses for the night game.

A second fan wearing a gray Yankees jersey then grabbed Betts’ glove — with the ball still in it — and refused to let go.

As the fan wearing the road jersey attempted to open Betts’ glove, the first fan reached out and grabbed Betts’ right hand. The fan holding the glove then snatched the ball.

The two fans finally let go of the outfielder.

Right field umpire Mark Carlson immediately called Torres for fan interference.

The two fans were expelled from the stadium. As they were led away by security, the fans were cheered by some sold-out spectators.

They had seen seven batters in a game that the Yankees ended up winning, 11-4, to keep their season alive.

Resale tickets for this particular section were priced at over $1,000 for Game 5 on Wednesday night.

Betts, a former Red Sox outfielder, had little to say about the incident after the game other than he apparently thought only one fan had caught it.

“It doesn’t matter,” he said. “We lost. I didn’t even know he grabbed my hand. When it comes to the person involved, it doesn’t matter. We lost. It’s not relevant. I’m doing well. He’s fine. It’s cool. We lost the game. That’s what I’m kind of focusing on. You have to turn the page and be ready for tomorrow.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, “I thought he had a gem on it.” Fan got in the way and the referees understood.

Dodgers starter Ben Casparius said he’s “never seen anything like it.” He should know: Casparius, a Westport, Conn., native, said he was a Red Sox fan growing up, went to “50 or 60” games at Yankee Stadium and wore “well sure” always Boston clothing.

Of the Betts incident, Casparius said: “I think it was an interesting moment just being the first two pitches of the game and obviously his history with this team and playing with the Red Sox as well long time he did it. And it was kind of like, “Here we go. »

This was the second time Torres’ at-bat was hit by fan interference in this World Series.

With two outs in the ninth inning of Game 1 at Dodger Stadium, Torres hit a fly ball to left field, and a fan reached out and caught the ball. Torres got a double.