Will Flemming Rips Jazz Chisholm Jr. in Yankees' 16-1 Rout of Red Sox

During a 16-1 Yankees victory, broadcaster Will Flemming called Jazz Chisholm Jr. a bush league player after the infielder stole two bases with a six-run lead.

The New York Yankees secured a 16-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Sunday at Yankee Stadium, a result that moved New York to 78-59 on the season. This win placed the Yankees four games ahead of the 74-63 Red Sox for the top wild card spot in the American League. By winning this contest, New York also clinched the season series, ensuring they hold the tiebreaker advantage if both teams finish the regular season with identical records. The blowout was punctuated by a five-run fifth inning, sparked by a controversial ruling where umpires determined center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela trapped a low line drive hit by Jazz Chisholm Jr. rather than catching it for a double play.

Broadcaster Criticizes Jazz Chisholm Jr.

During the eighth inning, with New York leading 7-1, Red Sox radio play-by-play announcer Will Flemming launched a verbal attack against Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. After drawing a leadoff walk against left-hander Jovani Moran, Chisholm stole second base. Because Boston did not hold him on, Chisholm immediately stole third base without a throw. Flemming, calling the game for WEEI, described the two-time All-Star as a "bush league player" and stated, "Chisholm's doing it again. This is what he does." WEEI color analyst Will Middlebrooks joined the critique, accusing the infielder of being "selfish" and "padding your stats" by taking extra bases during a six-run game.

Suggestion of Retaliation Against Austin Wells

As the eighth inning progressed, Flemming suggested that Moran should retaliate physically against the hitter at the plate. "Wouldn't you sort of like to see Moran drill Wells right here?" Flemming asked, referring to Yankees catcher Austin Wells. Instead of a hit-by-pitch, Wells lined a two-run home run into right field three pitches later, scoring Chisholm. The subsequent trot down the third-base line by Chisholm drew further ire from the broadcast booth. Flemming remarked that Moran should fight Chisholm, noting that the pitcher was walking toward the third-base line and staring at the baserunner. The announcer claimed the tension added "a little extra vinegar" to a potential postseason matchup between the rivals.

Statistical Impact and Game Turning Point

While Flemming acknowledged Chisholm is "awesome" and "so talented," he maintained that the player "plays the game the wrong way." The lopsided final score of 16-1 was facilitated by the pivotal fifth-inning ruling on Rafaela’s attempted catch. Had the play been ruled an out, it likely would have resulted in an inning-ending double play; instead, the hit extended the frame and allowed the Yankees to plate five runs. The Red Sox, owned by a separate entity from WEEI's parent company Audacy, were unable to recover from the deficit. The loss leaves Boston trailing in the postseason race with the season series now officially decided in favor of New York.