Batter calls timeout then hits a home run that doesn't count, a breakdown

Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees steps to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning, his team trailing by one run. With the game on the line, he takes a deep breath and digs in, ready to face the tying pitch. As the pitcher winds up, Judge calls for a timeout, stepping out of the batter's box. The umpire grants his request, stopping the play. Judge takes a moment to reset, adjusting his batting gloves and taking a few practice swings. Once he feels ready, Judge steps back in and the pitcher delivers the next offering. This time, the Yankees slugger gets all of it, driving the ball deep to left field. The crowd at Yankee Stadium erupts as the ball sails over the wall, tying the game with one mighty swing. However, the umpire quickly signals that the timeout call was not granted in time, nullifying the home run. "Time was not called properly," the umpire explains to a disappointed Judge and the Yankees dugout. "I thought I called it in time, but the umpire said it was a split-second too late," Judge says after the game. "It's a tough break, but that's the way it goes sometimes. We'll come back out tomorrow and try to get the win." Despite the heartbreaking turn of events, the Yankees remain within striking distance, eventually tying the game in the bottom of the 9th to force extra innings. Manager Aaron Boone praises his team's resilience, saying, "That's the kind of fight and determination I love to see from this group. We never quit, no matter what the situation." In the end, the game heads to extra frames, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion. Though the home run that would have won it for Judge was disallowed, the Yankees prove they have the mettle to battle back and keep themselves in the hunt, no matter the odds.