NEW YORK — Josh Donaldson was here earlier this year, as he mistook a long flyout for a home run at Yankee Stadium.
On Tuesday-evening, it happened in Game 1 of the AL Division Series.
In the top of the fifth inning of the Yankees against Cleveland Guardians starter Cal Quantrill, righthanded hitting Donaldson sent a deep drive to the right in a 1-1 game.
But the friendliest spot in the stadium for a batter wasn’t quite cozy enough for Donaldson.
Donaldson’s drive bounced off the top of the wall and rightfielder Oscar Gonzalez sent the ball back to the infield.
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“I definitely thought it was a home run,” said teammate Anthony Rizzo.
Veteran Donaldson was already on his home run after hitting the hand with coach Travis Chapman from first base when he slammed on the brakes between first and second.
Seeing that the ball had been passed to short stop Amed Rosario, Donaldson tried to hit the ball back to first base, but was tagged out.
The piece was confirmed on video review, leaving it a draw.
“Donaldson probably took his eyes off it for a while,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “Every now and then you have to say something. I haven’t said anything yet.”
Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson talks to umpire Jeremie Rehak after being called out at first base.
Moments later, Isiah Kiner-Falefa moved to third base after Gonzalez misaligned his line-single to the right and scored on the sacrifice fly by Jose Trevino for a 2-1 Yankees lead.
“I’m glad it didn’t hurt us,” Boone said.
The Yankees won the game 4-1.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Josh Donaldson home run blunder leads to out for Yankees in ALDS Game 1