Pitcher Chases Deflected Ball
The Red Sox and D’backs played at Chase Field on May 27, 2023. Gabriel Moreno led off the bottom of the eighth facing Kutter Crawford. Moreno hit a shot that caromed off Crawford’s ankle. The ball rolled toward the first base line. Crawford chased the ball and shoveled it to first baseman Pavin Smith for…
Two Runners Tagged on Same Base-Double Play
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…
Runner Runs Third to Home in Fair Territory
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…
Foul Ball Changed to Fair
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…
“Balk/Walk” Rule Misinterpreted
The Blue Jays hosted the Mariners on April 30, 2023. In the bottom of the fourth, Whitt Merrifield was at bat with a 3-2 count and two outs facing Penn Murfee. Vlad Guerrero, the runner on first, took off with the pitch that was “Ball Four.” One of the umpires on plate ump Mark Carlson’s…
Brewers Create Time Play
The Brewers and Giants played at Oracle Park on May 5, 2023. In the top of the first, the Brewers had Owen Miller on third and Brian Anderson on first with two outs. Luke Voit was the batter facing Sean Manaea. Anderson took an extended lead prompting a pickoff throw from Manaea. This put Anderson…
Jose Ramirez Avoids Tag on Controversial Baseline Play
Third base umpire Dan Iassogna ejected Twins manager Rocco Baldelli involving a running out of the baseline issue in the bottom of the 4th inning of the Twins-Guardians game on May 6, 2023. With no outs and runners on first and third, the Guardians’ Josh Naylor hit a ground ball to Twins third baseman Jose…
Max Scherzer Suspended for 10 Games
Mets pitcher Max Scherzer was suspended for 10 games before he began pitching the fourth inning of the Mets-Dodgers game on April 19, 2023 in Los Angeles. He had pitched three scoreless innings, while allowing one hit. From all accounts and reports, the ejection/suspension was caused by excessive stickiness on his hand and glove. He…
