Fan interference nixes Altuve HR in Game 4

A controversial fan-interference call stripped Houston Astros designated hitter Jose Altuve of what would have been a game-tying, two-run home run in the first inning of Game 4 of the American League Championship Series on Wednesday.

After the Boston Red Sox scored two runs on a first-inning single from Rafael Devers, George Springer reached on a one-out single in the bottom of the frame. Altuve then launched a 2-1 pitch out to right field for what looked as if it would be a game-tying homer.

However, Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts tracked the ball to the wall and made a leaping attempt to catch it. During his attempt, a fan made contact with Betts' glove, and right field umpire Joe West called fan interference.

The call was subjected to a lengthy review, after which Major League Baseball ruled the call on the field would stand, meaning there wasn't enough evidence to overturn it.

Astros manager A.J. Hinch came out to argue the ruling.

"(West) just said that it was fan interference on the field. And my argument was more about that the ball was leaving the yard, the trajectory was there," Hinch told Fox in a mid-game interview. "Jose paid kind of the ultimate price for something out of his control.

"I'm not sure if Mookie makes that catch. He's a great athlete. But how it's an assumed out, it's unbelievable."

Though Betts' catch attempt was affected by the fans, it appeared to come with the ball already outside the field of play, which isn't subject to interference according to Rule 6.01(e):

"No interference shall be allowed when a fielder reaches over a fence, railing, rope or into a stand to catch a ball. He does so at his own risk. However, should a spectator reach out on the playing field side of such fence, railing or rope, and plainly prevent the fielder from catching the ball, then the batsman should be called out for the spectator's interference."

Instead of a homer, Altuve was ruled out, and the fans at Minute Maid Park made their disapproval of the call known with a hefty amount of boos. Red Sox starter Rick Porcello eventually got out of the inning without allowing a run.

Entering Wednesday, the Red Sox led the best-of-seven series 2-1.

(With inputs from agencies.)