Author: nkirby

Expert Analysis

Rafael Devers: A Busy Night

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Yankees and Red Sox played at Fenway on July 8th when Boston’s Rafael Devers was involved two plays worthy of attention. In the bottom of the second, Devers was batting with runners on first and third and two outs. Facing Nestor Cortes, he hit a towering fly several feet up the first base line….

Expert Analysis

Walk Off Balk!

Topics: Balk

The Reds were batting in the bottom of the tenth with the score tied 1-1 on July 8, 2022. Tyler Naquin was facing Matt Wisler with runners on first and third and one out when Edwin Moscoso called a balk on Wisler. Mark Kolozsvary, the runner on third, scored the winning run on the play….

Expert Analysis

Catcher Blocking of the Plate Controversy in 2022

Topics: Expert Analysis

Plate umpire Edwin Moscoso had a busy tenth inning when the Rays and Reds played at Great American Ball Park on July 8th. In the top of tenth, the Rays had Francisco Mejía on third and Josh Lowe on first and no outs with the score tied 1-1 when Yandy Diaz hit a ground ball…

Expert Analysis

Fourth Out Appeal

Topics: Appeal

The Nats hosted the Pirates on June 29th when the Nationals had the opportunity to nullify a Pirates’ run by taking advantage of the “fourth out” appeal rule but failed to do so. With one out in the top of the fifth, the Bucs had Hoy Park on second and Jack Suwinski on third when…

Expert Analysis

Can Teammates Assist a Runner to First Base?

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Rangers-Orioles game on July 4th in Baltimore ended on an intriguing note. With the score tied 6-6, Rougned Odor led off the 10th with a bunt single off Rangers’ pitcher Matt Moore that advanced automatic runner Austin Hays to third. Moore then intentionally walked Ramón Urías to load the bases before hitting Luis Mateo…

Expert Analysis

Catcher’s Throw Hits Bat

Topics: Expert Analysis

The Dodgers and Braves played at Truist Park on June 26th. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Travis d’Arnaud was batting with runners on first and second and no outs. Michael Harris, the Braves’ runner on second, took off for third base on the pitch in an attempted steal. Dodgers’ catcher Will Smith attempted…

Expert Analysis

Runner Creates a Time Play by Eliminating the Inning-Ending Force Out

Topics: Time Play

The Cards hosted the Pirates on June 14th when what might be the Ruleball play of the season  occurred in the first game of a double header.  In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Redbirds had the bases loaded and two outs. Yadier Molina was on third, Edmundo Sosa on second, and Nolan Gorman…

Expert Analysis

Buck Showalter and the Mets Win a Double Challenge

Topics: Expert Analysis

In the June 24th Mets – Marlins game, the Mets won an unusual double challenge in their 5-3 win. In the top of the sixth inning with the score tied 2-2, Brandon Nimmo was on first and Tomas Nido on second with no outs when Starling Marte ripped a ground ball to Willians Astudillo. The…

Expert Analysis

2022 MLB Examples of Obstruction

Topics: Obstruction

Beginning 2024, pro rules (OBR, MLB) will no longer allow a fielder who is not in possession of the ball to block a base (1B, 2B, 3B) or impede a runner. It will be enforced similar to the Home Plate Collision Rule.  New Rule Explained Here: https://baseballrulesacademy.com/obstruction-enforcement-at-all-bases-in-2024/   The Nats hosted the Phils on June…

Expert Analysis

Three Rule Situations from the 2022 MLB Season

Topics: Expert Analysis

No. 1 In the June 4th Mets-Dodgers game there was a pitching substitution issue involving a position player. With the Dodgers trailing 9-4 entering the top of the ninth inning, Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts sent outfielder Zach McKinstry to the mound at Dodger Stadium, but Mets manager Buck Showalter said not so fast claiming a…

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