O’Hearn: Retouch of Second Base Not Necessary
The Pirates hosted the Natioinals on April 14th, 2026. In the bottom of the eighth, Marcell Ozuna was batting with a 1-2 count and Ryan O’Hearn on first base with one out when Ozuna hit a shot toward left-center field. Daylen Lile, the Nationals’ left fielder, raced over and made a great catch. Meanwhile, O’Hearn…
Replay Reversal Sparks Chaos as Rob Thomson Ejected in Phillies–Nationals Inning
The Philadelphia Phillies faced the Washington Nationals on March 30, 2026 in a chaotic sequence that unfolded in the first inning. Nationals outfielder Joey Wiemer grounded into what both teams initially believed was the final out of the frame, as it was unclear whether he had been retired at first base. With two outs and…
Nationals’ 2025 Catch/No Catch Trap Plays: Triple Play and Rare 7-3 Putout Spark Debate
The Washington Nationals have been involved in two catch/no catch trap plays during the 2025 season that have created interesting situations. The Mets and Nationals played at Nationals Park on April 25, 2025 when an unusual triple play took place. It was the second triple play of the season, joining the Rockies’ trifecta on April…
Fielder Intentionally Drops Bunt Fly Ball
The Nationals and Pirates played a double header at PNC Park on September 7, 2024. In the top of the ninth of the first game, the Nats were winning 4-2. Jacob Young was the batter facing David Bednar. Young hit a bunt pop fly in front of the plate. Pirates first baseman Rowdy Tellez came…
Plate Umpire Interference
Plate umpire interference was called in back-to-back games on June 24-25, 2024 at Petco Park where the Nationals and Padres played. Both times the Nationals lost stolen bases which were critical because the Nats lost the June 24th game 7-6 in 10-innings and the following night they were defeated 9-7. Ruleball Comments Plate umpire interference is…
Batting Out of Turn
I recently received this question from a coach. What should we do if we notice that an opposing player has batted out of turn? That’s a good question and one that is difficult to understand even among the best baseball minds. Let’s explore the Batting Out of Turn Rule 6.03 (b) and apply it for…
You Make the Call!
There are three different scenarios in this report and I am challenging you to make the call for each one which may not necessarily concur with my opinion. Play No. 1 The Brewers and Mets played at Citi Field on June 28, 2023. In the top of the eighth, the Brewers had runners on first…
Catchers Blocking the Plate in 2023 MLB Season
Catcher Legally blocks the Plate on Throw from Drawn-In Infielder The Royals hosted the Reds on June 12, 2023. In the top of the 10th, the Reds had TJ Friedl on third base and one out with the score tied 4-4 when Jonathan India hit a ground ball to third baseman Maikel Garcia who threw…
Meyers Not Called for Batter-Runner Interference
The Nationals and Astros played at Minute Maid on June 14, 2023. In the bottom of the ninth, the Astros were batting with one out and the bases loaded with the score tied 4-4 when Jake Meyers grounded to shortstop C.J. Abrams, who threw home for the second out. Catcher Keibert Ruiz tried to turn…