The Red Sox-Blue Jays game was delayed for an unusual run-scoring play, leaving everyone in the dugouts perplexed. The play unfolded as follows: With runners on first and second and no outs, Nick Sogard lined out to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base. The ball hit the ground, and Guerrero threw to second for the first out, allowing Sogard to stay at first and Anthony Seigler to advance to third. The Red Sox were trailing 2-0, desperate to get back into the game. The confusion arose as the scoreboard displayed two outs, and the play was initially announced as a double play. The final play saw Ceddanne Rafaela fly out to center field, with players on both sides unsure if it was the second or third out. Brett Bateman lobbed the ball back in, eventually reaching first base, where Vladdy tagged the bag. This sparked a heated debate between the umpiring crew and managers, with Max Scherzer from the Blue Jays' dugout eagerly sharing his thoughts. The central question was whether the runner from third scored and if the run would count. The crew chief, Chris Guccione, announced a time play, explaining that the third out was made at first base with the runner not tagging up, and the runner on third crossed home plate before the third out was made. This led to a rules check with the replay review crew in New York. After a thorough review, the umpiring crew confirmed that the run would score, and the inning ended with a final score of 2-1 in favor of the Blue Jays. The incident highlights the complexity of baseball rules and the potential for confusion, even among professionals. It serves as a reminder that every play, no matter how seemingly routine, can have significant implications. The game's outcome remained unchanged, but the experience left a lasting impression on those involved, with McAdoo admitting to missing the timing play until it was too late.
