When you don’t tag me sliding into home, then my foot is on the plate, then you tag me, I’m safe and we get a run. Right? I mean that’s the way we used to play in the empty lot across from my house growing up. Granted we weren’t professionals or anything. We didn’t even have umpires, and we’d often substitute a tennis ball for a baseball because it made it much easier to hit the dramatic home run. But fair is fair and safe is safe.
…..or it isn’t.
Facing a 1-0 deficit, Casey Kotchman hit a would-be sacrifice fly to left and Justin Ruggiano tagged and headed for home, sliding into the disputed play. The replays clearly show a run scored to tie the game, but home plate ump didn’t think so and called him out due to some phantom (read: bullshit) tag. So the game should have been tied at 1’s in the 8th when Ruggiano (the new Sam Fuld?) hit a sac fly that easily scored Jaso from third. And the end of regulation should have seen a Rays victory at 2-1. But alas, such was not to be the case due to Umpire John Tumpane, and the Deadtroit Tigers were able to put together a run in extras for the victory. Mr. Tumpane was not available for comment at press-time, mostly because I have no idea how to get a hold of him…..lucky for him.
Oh, enough boo-hooing already. The upside to it all? Not only did Joe Maddon get himself ejected (I love that!), but David Price (what!?) who did not even pitch in the game also got himself the boot. That rules!
Home again, home again tonight to face the Red Sux for 3 games. With us trailing them by 4.5, and the Yanks somewhere in between, this should be a major series to shake up the division. I’m digging out the broom already……..