Umpires ensure series split for Yankees

You didn't really think that the Indians were going to win this series, did you?

With the Indians up 3-2 in the seventh inning, and Cody Ransom on first, Jorge Posada hit a towering drive to right field. Trevor Crowe, who had just entered the game to replace Ryan Garko, timed his jump perfectly only to have the ball deflect off a fan in the seats, bounch off the top of the wall, and end up in play.

The Umpires immediately called the play a home run, giving the Yankees a 4-3 lead they would never relinquish. Unfortunately, the call was all wrong.

Crew chief Jerry Crawford correctly stated that the fan that touched the ball was behind the ball. Unfortunately, what he missed was not only would have cancelled out the home run, but should have been an out. A second fan, whose glove was outstretched over the wall, impeded Crowe's glove on its way up to make the catch. Whether or not he would have is inconsequential. The key is that Crowe's glove was impeded in the field of play. At that moment, the batter is out...end of story.

The Umps blew the call, it's that simple.

Carl Pavano and Shin-Soo Choo, after the jump...

Carl Pavano pitched an outstanding game, giving up only one run in six full innings. He deserved better than to have the umps hand the Yankees the game. He pitched four perfect innings in his first five, gave up only four hits and a walk, and struck out four. He saved his best for last, striking out Nick Swisher for the third time with a changeup, and the bases loaded.

Unfortunately, Rafael Perez came into the game, and gave up a double to Robinson Cano, and a single to Matsui, to give up a run. Then came the ridunkulous call from the umpire on the Posada "Home Run." It would get worse.

Shin-Soo Choo lost a ball in the sun in the eighth inning that scored three runs, and put the game away. It was an odd play, and that's all I really want to say about that.

Cleveland comes away with a 2-2 split in the opening series at the New Yankee Stadium, including two embarrassing blow-outs in the opener, and game three that won't be forgotten quickly by each team.

It's just too bad that they were robbed of the third game.

Tomorrow is a day of rest, and Tuesday starts a nine-game homestand against the Royals, Twins and Red Sox. The Tribe is 4-9, and I'd hate to see an April homestand mean so much, but this one does...especially those games against the Royals and Twins. Serious ground could be made up...

...or lost...