The Red Sox-Blue Jays game was delayed for an unusual run-scoring play, leaving everyone in the dugouts and the audience alike perplexed. The play unfolded as follows:
With runners on first and second and no outs, Nick Sogard hit a hard, low liner to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base. The ball hit the ground, and Guerrero Jr. threw to second for the first out, allowing Sogard to stay at first and Anthony Seigler to advance to third. The Red Sox were down 2-0, pressing to get back into the game.
The confusion began when the scoreboard displayed two outs, and the play was announced as a double play. The final play saw Ceddanne Rafaela fly out to center field, but there was confusion among players about whether it was the second or third out. Brett Bateman lobbed the ball back in, which eventually made it to first base, where Vladdy tagged the bag.
This led to a 15-minute delay as the umpiring crew and each manager met to discuss the play. The question at the center of the confusion was whether the runner from third scored, and whether that run would ultimately count. Max Scherzer, eager to share his opinion, joined the discussion from the Blue Jays' dugout.
Crew chief Chris Guccione addressed the crowd and television audience, announcing that it was a time play. This meant that when the third out was made at first base with the runner not tagging up, the runner on third base also did not tag but crossed home plate before the third out was made at first base. The run was going to score, and the inning was over.
The ruling didn't impact the game's outcome, which the Blue Jays won 2-1 to open the series. However, it highlighted the importance of understanding the rules of baseball, especially in complex situations. As McAdoo said after the game, 'It didn't cross my mind until I walked into the dugout, remembering that the timing play exists, and that was a situation where it came into play.'
This incident serves as a reminder that even in the world of professional sports, there are always new and unexpected challenges to navigate.
