The four-out rule, a rare and bizarre occurrence in baseball, left the Blue Jays and their fans perplexed, but for Max Scherzer and John Schneider, it was a familiar feeling. This peculiar rule, which awards a run to the opposing team when the home team's fielders leave the field after a force-out, has a history of causing confusion and debate. On Monday, the Blue Jays encountered this rule for the second time, and it resulted in a dramatic change of fortune.
Scherzer, a seasoned pitcher, recalled a similar incident from 2009 while playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He knew the outcome of the play before the umpires made their decision, as he had experienced it before. The play in question occurred in the top of the seventh inning, with runners on first and second and none out. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. fielded a low line drive and initially thought he had caught the ball in the air, leading to an initial call of a double play.
However, the umpires realized the ball hit the ground, and the call was amended to a force-out at second, leaving runners on first and third with one out. The scoreboard, operated by MLB, showed two outs, adding to the confusion. The next batter lofted an easy fly ball to centre, and the inning seemed to be over.
But here's where things got truly bizarre. Boston's interim manager, Chad Tracy, argued that the runner, Anthony Seigler, had crossed home plate before the third out was completed. The umpires, as mixed up as everyone else, called MLB in New York for a consultation, causing a 16-minute delay. In the end, the runner scored on what was still called a double play, a play that defies logic and common sense.
The Blue Jays, who had a 2-0 lead, suddenly found themselves trailing 2-1. The confusion and the unusual nature of the play caught everyone off guard, including the umpires, who tried to explain it to the best of their ability. John Schneider, the Toronto manager, had a similar experience in 2016 with the Lansing Lugnuts, and he described the play as 'stupid' and 'not making sense'.
The four-out rule, as Scherzer pointed out, is a rule, and it was the right call. However, the confusion and the unusual nature of the play raise deeper questions about the rules and regulations of baseball. The play also highlights the importance of communication and coordination between the umpires and the teams, as the Blue Jays could not appeal the play because they had left the field.
This incident serves as a reminder that baseball is a complex and nuanced sport, and even the most experienced players and managers can be baffled by the rules and plays. It also underscores the need for clear and consistent communication between the umpires and the teams to ensure fair and accurate decisions. As for the Blue Jays, they held on for the one-run victory, but the memory of this bizarre play will linger for a long time.
