In case you missed it, this past weekend will go down as one of the wildest and most controversial in World Series History.
First let's look at the ending of Sunday Night's Game 4 in which the Red Sox won 4-2. For the first time in World Series history, the game ended on a pick-off play.
Down two runs with two outs and Carlos Beltran — arguably the most clutch post-season hitter in the history of baseball — up to bat, and therefore obviously not stealing, Cardinals rookie Kolten Wong got picked off at first base by Red Sox closer Koji Uehara for the third and final out. The play ended the ball game, preventing any type of last chance rally by the Cardinals in an attempt to tie.
Let's just say Cardinals fans were deflated.
But Sunday night's ending was nothing compared to the drama that concluded Game 3's contest Saturday night.
For the very first time in the history of the World Series, a game ended on an 'interference' call.
Although MLB.com — for some unknown reason — already took down the footage, you can watch this Youtube video below of the play. Watch as Cardinals runner Allen Craig trips over third baseman Will Middlebrooks while trying to advance to score the winning run in the bottom of the ninth. Unfortunately, whether tripping up Craig was Middlebrooks' intention or not, the fact he was blocking Craig's base path makes it an obstruction call.
While many Red Sox fans are upset about the call, every MLB executive, umpire and analyst have praised that the right call was made.
At the end of the day the onus falls on Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who made another terrible game-busting throw, causing Middlebrooks to dive for the ball in the first place, blocking Craig's path to home late. If Salty makes a good throw there is no issue. Quick note: Salty didn't play in Game 4.
One also has to understand that if Craig doesn't trip over Middlebrooks he's safe at home by a mile — which is why the judgment call was made following the play. Notice Red Sox manager John Farrell really didn't put up much of an argument after the umpires explained why the call was made.
In baseball it's understood that when a ball is put in play, the runner has to stay clear of the ball and give the defender every opportunity to field the ball. If the runner doesn't (ie. if he is hit by the ball in play) he is automatically out. Otherwise, the defenders need to give every opportunity for the runner to advance to their next base without blocking their path. That's fair.
Were both plays from Game 3 and 4 unfortunate? Absolutely. But if one believes in karma at least both teams can say they're even.
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him @JHelmuth or "like" CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
