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Expert Analysis

Two Runners Tagged on Same Base-Double Play

Topics: Expert Analysis

In my last report I covered the topic of Two Runners on the Same Base. As stated, when possible, a team should never have two runners on the same base because if both are tagged and the wrong runner exits the base, the defensive team can execute an easy double play. That’s what happened in…

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What Happens When Two Runners are on the Same Base?

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On May 20, 2023 the Orioles and Blue Jays played at the Rogers Centre. In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Jays had Brandon Belt on third and Matt Chapman on second with one out when Danny Jansen hit a bouncer to O’s pitcher Grayson Rodriguez. Rodriguez ran at Belt who was heading home….

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Batters Can No Longer Try to Induce Pitch Timer Violation

Topics: Expert Analysis

In my last report I covered the situation where Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen committed three Pitch Timer violations in the same inning in the May 13, 2023 game against the Cardinals.  MLB issued a memo that exonerated Jansen based on the actions of the batter, Willson Contreras. Following is the memo in part. In…

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Runner Runs Third to Home in Fair Territory

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The Orioles and Blue Jays played at the Rogers Centre on May 20, 2023. In the top of the 10th inning, the score was tied 5-5 when the O’s Ryan Mountcastle began the inning on second base as the ghost runner. Adam Frazier bunted him to third. Austin Hays then hit a ground ball toward…

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Foul Ball Changed to Fair

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The Yankees and Reds played at Great American Ball Park on May 21, 2023. In the bottom of the first, the Reds had Jonathan India on first base and two outs when Spencer Speer hit a slicing fly ball down the right field line. India was running on the pitch. Yankees’ right fielder Jake Bauers…

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Five Rule Questions from the 2023 MLB Season

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Schowalter Ejected on No Interference QUESTION: In a recent Mets-Reds game, Mets manager Buck Showalter, who seldom gets ejected, was banished for arguing a play at second base. Can you explain what happened? ANSWER: The Reds hosted the Mets on May 9, 2023. In the bottom of the fifth inning the Mets had Wil Myers…

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Jansen Called for Three Pitch Timer Violations in the Same Inning

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Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen was called for three pitch timer violations by plate umpire Derek Thomas in Boston on May 13, 2023 when the Red Sox fell to the Cardinals, 4-3. Jansen fell victim to the Max Scherzer rule that was born in a spring training game. With the BoSox holding a 3-1 lead…

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Germán Ejected for Using an Illegal Substance

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Yankees right hander Domingo Germán was ejected for using an illegal substance when the Yankees and Blue Jays played at the Rogers Centre on May 16, 2023.  Germán began to take the mound for the bottom of the fourth after three perfect innings to start the ballgame. But he was intercepted by the umpiring crew,…

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Trout Kicks Ball After Scoring

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The Angels beat the Guardians at Progressive Field on May 12th, 2023 scoring two runs in the top of the ninth. It’s debatable if the winning run should have scored. Here is what happened. Hunter Renfroe was batting with Mike Trout on third and Brett Phillips on first and one out when Renfroe hit a…

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Disengagement Controversy

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Brewers’ manager Craig Counsell was ejected in the May 6, 203 game against the Giants. The dispute developed over the number of disengagements a pitcher made. In the top of the fourth inning, with Rowdy Tellez at the plate, Giants starter Alex Cobb threw over to first base twice to check on Willy Adames. Cobb…

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