WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Max Schumann found himself starting against his former team on Sunday afternoon, and he took full advantage of the opportunity.
Initially filling in for Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base, Schumann managed to go 1-for-3, which included a hit, a walk, and a two-run double, ultimately contributing to the Yankees’ 13-8 win.
“He really inspired us,” Boone commented. “We expected him to put together solid at-bats, and he definitely delivered. Having him play such a significant role was refreshing.”
This season, Schumann hasn’t played many games since his call-up last month, showing a batting average of .294 and an OPS of .971, along with seven walks in 24 at-bats.
With Amed Rosario out on paternity leave, Schumann drew a seven-pitch walk against lefty Jacob Lopez after Anthony Volpe’s single at the beginning of the third inning, which was part of the Yankees’ scoring spree.
In his next at-bat during that same inning, and still without any outs, Schumann hit a double with two strikes that sailed over the third baseman, putting the Yankees ahead 10-3.
“[Schumann] really did well. His versatility was clear, especially with defensive changes and pinch-running,” Boone remarked. “The at-bats he provided were outstanding. I noticed that in spring training; he knows how to put together good at-bats.”
Jen Pawol, a New Jersey native and former Hofstra softball player, became the first female umpire in Major League Baseball, officiating on Sunday.
When asked about Pawol, Aaron Judge smilingly mentioned, “I think she was fantastic, particularly since we won the game. She’s been impressive. We had her in spring training a couple of times; honestly, I can’t remember if it was last year or this year. She’s in excellent shape and focused. I even asked her about some pitches, and she was right on it.”
Pawol made her MLB debut last summer and was called up from Triple-A to officiate this weekend’s series.
During the game, the Yankees believed they should have been out in the first inning when Tyler Soderstrom grounded to second. They were aiming for a double play, but 6-foot-5 Nick Kurtz, heading for second, inadvertently blocked the throw to first.
Boone argued for interference, but the umpires didn’t agree. “The rule states intent must be clear,” Volpe explained. “It was just an odd situation; I understand their viewpoint, but I really didn’t get it.”
On Saturday, there was some confusion regarding a pitch from Ryan Weathers that seemed to get a call in the Yankees’ favor. Soderstrom attempted a similar one, but the automatic ball-strike system malfunctioned, leaving the scoreboard frozen on the pitch. Home plate umpire Adam Beck eventually reaffirmed the initial strike, despite it looking like a ball based on MLB’s zone.
“It was quite something, getting away with that,” Boone chuckled the following morning.
