The Red Sox and Marlins played in Miami on July 4, 2024^.  In the bottom of the ninth with the score tied 2-2, the Marlins had Jesús Sánchez on second base with one out when Xavier Edwards singled to center field. Sánchez attempted to score but was called when Jarren Duran made

a strong throw to catcher Reese McGuire. Marlins manager Skip Schumaker challenged the call but it was upheld in NYC.

The Red Sox won the game 6-5 in 12 innings.

Ruleball Comments

The Replay Official determined that “no violation of the Home Plate Collision Rule occurred. The runner was provided a pathway to home plate prior to the catcher securing possession of the ball and was not hindered or impeded by the catcher in his attempt to score. The call is CONFIRMED, it is not a violation.”

I replayed this a number of times and agree that McGuire gave the runner a pathway to the plate before he had possession of the ball. I’m not sure if this would have been the interpretation earlier in the season since McGuire was on the plate before he had possession of the ball.

For the sake of consistency, I just hope all umpires stay with this interpretation

Rich Marazzi

Rules consultant/analyst:  Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Mets, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, YES, and NBC Sports Chicago.