Ump Job: Yankees skid briefly halted thanks to atrocious strikeout call

The New York Yankees actually managed to win a game, but did they get some help from the home plate umpire?

To say that the New York Yankees desperately needed a win was a massive understatement. Their once dominant lead for first place in the AL East turned into just four games entering Sunday, Sept. 4. They needed to avoid a sweep against the rival Tampa Bay Rays.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Yankees closer Clay Holmes struggled, as a 2-0 lead turned into a 2-1 lead after an RBI single by Francisco Meijia. Holmes later moved to gave up a double to Jonathan Aranda to advance Meijia to third base.

Holmes was able to get the final out of the inning to escape a collapse by striking out Yandy Diaz. The thing is, take a look at the pitch in which he was called out while looking.

Yankees pick up win over Rays on controversial strikeout

Based on the strike zone on the television broadcast, it looked like the pitch was low. Yet, the umpire called it a strike, which caused Diaz to lose it. Of course, he would be, as he could have recorded not just a game-tying hit, but possibly a game-winning one.

If you needed an additional angle, take a look at this one.

Controversy aside, the Yankees did pick up a much-needed win. They did see Aaron Judge pick up his 53rd home run of the year. However, they were not able to capitalize with runners in scoring position. They only scored two runs on six hits. Yet, they stranded 22 batters in the process. That is not great.

The Yankees will look to build off of this win and hopefully create a winning streak, as they take on the Minnesota Twins in a four-game series, right before they meet the Rays again next weekend. Tampa Bay will begin a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox on Monday, Sept. 5.