Washington Nationals

Expert Analysis

Collisions at Home Plate – Rule 6.01 (i)

Topics: Expert Analysis

Play No. 1 The Blue Jays and Twins met at Target Field on Aug. 7, 2022.  In the top of the tenth, with the score tied 2-2, the Jays had Whit Merrifield on third base and one out when Cavan Biggio hit a fly ball to left fielder Tim Beckham who threw home to catcher…

Expert Analysis

Boundary Call Overturned and Runners Placed Accordingly

Topics: Placing Runners

The Nationals and D’backs played in Arizona on July 24th. In the top of the seventh, the Nats had Cesar Hernandez on first base and two outs when Josh Bell hit a fly to deep right field. The umpires judged the ball to be a ground rule double and called “Time.” Both runners were awarded…

Expert Analysis

Players Use Detached Equipment to Make Plays

Topics: Equipment

Pitchers Throw Glove Play No. 1 On June 29th the Red Sox and Blue Jays played in Toronto. Boston’s Franchy Cordero led off the top of the third inning facing Alek Manoah. With the infield shifted toward second, the third base area was vacant. Cordero laid down a bunt in the direction of third base….

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

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

All About Obstruction…it Happened in the Major Leagues Again!

Topics: Base Awards, Batter Runner, Definitions, Obstruction, Placing Runners, Runners, Runners Lane

Obstruction Definition Obstruction is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball or a throw, impedes the progress of any runner. Contact does not have to be made for the umpire to rule obstruction. There are two types of obstruction Type…

Expert Analysis

When does a fly ball stop being a fly ball?

Topics: Appeal, Batted Ball, Fielding, Replay Review, Rules Controversy

When is a Batted Ball No Longer “In Flight” The White Sox and Tigers played at Comerica this past Friday, April 8, 2022. In the bottom of the ninth the Tigers had Austin Meadows on third base and two outs when Javier Báez hit a shot to deep right-field that took right fielder AJ Pollock…

Expert Analysis

Nationals Park- Washington Nationals

Topics: Ground Rules

https://www.mlb.com/groundrules/venue-3309

Expert Analysis

Crazy Sac Fly: Two Runs Score

Topics: Base Awards, Dead Ball Area, Dugout, Placing Runners, Video - Fielder
This is a video post.
Expert Analysis

Texas Two-Step; Edwards told to change, Doolittle, too late

Topics: Balk, Blog, Coach, Definitions, Latest News, Manager, News, Official Baseball Rules, Pitcher, Quick Pitch, Rules Controversy, Umpire

The ninth inning of the May 18 game between the Washington Nationals and the visiting Chicago Cubs began like any other late-inning, three-run game. Nationals closer Sean Doolittle toed the slab in a save situation and retired Albert Almora Jr. for the first out. The next pitch is where the controversy officially became a game…

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