Unfortunate Error
During a spring training matchup between the New York Mets and the New York Yankees, Yankees catcher Ben Rortvedt made a glaring error in the third inning. With runners on second and third, pitcher Harrison Cohen delivered a good pitch, but Rortvedt failed to catch it, allowing the ball to roll past him. He struggled to locate the ball, resulting in the Mets scoring two consecutive runs.
Boone’s Reaction
Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who was being interviewed by ESPN at the time, expressed frustration as he witnessed the play unfold. He attempted to alert the players to the location of the ball but was disappointed as the Mets scored two runs off the blunder.
Immediate Impact
The error occurred just as the Mets were rallying, with Francisco Lindor and Brett Baty contributing to a three-run inning. The inability to secure the catch by Rortvedt allowed the Mets to capitalize on the opportunity and score two additional runs.
Fan Criticism
Rortvedt’s lackluster performance drew criticism from fans, especially considering the context of his acquisition in a trade with the Minnesota Twins. The Yankees traded away Gary Sánchez in the same deal, a move that has been scrutinized by fans as they compare the performance of the two catchers.
Evaluation of the Trade
The trade involving Rortvedt and Sánchez has been questioned by fans, particularly as Sánchez signed a lucrative contract with the Milwaukee Brewers following the trade. Rortvedt’s poor batting average last season further exacerbated the dissatisfaction among Yankees fans regarding the trade.
Mendoza’s Role
Carlos Mendoza, the new manager of the Mets, received praise from Boone despite the Yankees’ loss in the spring training game. Mendoza’s transition from the Yankees organization to the Mets as a coach highlights the competitive nature of the rivalry between the two teams, even in exhibition games.
Frustration on the Sidelines
Boone’s frustration was evident as he watched the Mets capitalize on Rortvedt’s error, ultimately leading to the Yankees’ defeat in the game. The Yankees managed to secure seven hits throughout the game, but it was not enough to overcome the Mets’ offensive performance.
Game Outcome
The Mets emerged victorious with a final score of 5-4, fueled by contributions from Lindor and Baty. Despite the Yankees’ efforts, including hits from Trent Grisham and Jeter Downs, they were unable to secure a win in the spring training matchup.
In summary, Yankees catcher Ben Rortvedt’s costly error during the spring training game resulted in frustration for manager Aaron Boone and contributed to the team’s loss against the Mets.(ME88)
