Yankees Rookie’s Fly Ball Strikes Tropicana Field Catwalk, Ruled an Out in ALDS Game 2
In Game 2 of the ALDS at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, Yankees rookie Spencer Jones hit a flyball that struck a catwalk and was subsequently caught for an out.
Rochester, NY, October 6, 2026 — In a notable play during Game 2 of the American League Division Series (ALDS), a flyball hit by New York Yankees rookie Spencer Jones struck a catwalk inside Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The ball was subsequently caught by a fielder, resulting in an out.
The incident occurred during the playoff game, which was held at the home stadium of the Tampa Bay Rays. The Tropicana Field is known for its distinctive domed roof and the presence of catwalks within the playing area. Under the rules of baseball played in this venue, a ball striking a catwalk is typically subject to specific rulings, often dependent on where the ball makes contact and whether it is then played by a fielder. In this instance, the flyball, hit by Jones, impacted one of these permanent structures before being caught.
Spencer Jones, a rookie player for the Yankees, was the batter involved in the play. The specific game was Game 2 of the ALDS series. The outcome of the play was an out, meaning the batter was retired. The precise inning or game situation in which this occurred was not specified in the available information.
The rules regarding batted balls striking stadium fixtures, such as the catwalks at Tropicana Field, can vary and are an element of the game unique to certain ballparks. Generally, if a fair fly ball strikes a permanent fixture, such as a catwalk, and is then caught by a fielder, it is ruled a catch and an out. If the ball were to hit the catwalk and fall to the ground without being caught, the ruling would differ, potentially leading to it being a fair ball or a ground rule double, depending on the specific rules in effect and where the ball lands.
Details regarding the immediate reaction of players, coaches, or fans to the play were not provided. The contractor responsible for the stadium’s design or construction, the specific location of the catwalk that was struck, or any prior instances of similar plays occurring at Tropicana Field were not detailed in the information available for this report.
The game itself, and the larger context of the ALDS series between the Yankees and their opponent, continue as this play marks one specific event within the broader sporting contest. The long-term implications for the series were not detailed.
Story summarized from the original created by ROB MAADDI, Associated Press on www.rochesterfirst.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
