The Philadelphia Phillies will be protesting yesterday's 14-inning 5-4 loss to the Florida Marlins due to a Hunter Pence double that was ruled an out due to fan interference.
The controversial play happened in the top of the sixth inning. Phillies outfielder Hunter Pence hit a fly ball to the wall in right field. Outfielder Bryan Petersen leaped at the wall, but the ball got away from him and rolled into the corner. Hunter Pence ran to second base, and Ryan Howard scored all the way from first base.
However, according to the replay, it was clear that Petersen's glove never touched the ball, as two Phillies fans in the front row of right field reached over the wall and knocked the ball away from Petersen. As a result, Pence was called out and Ryan Howard had to return to first base.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel initially argued that the ball should have been called a home run. However, replays showed that the ball would have hit the yellow line on the top of the wall had it not been caught by Petersen or interfered with by the fans. Manuel continued to argue and was ejected.
The Phillies are protesting this game, but in the end they do not have a strong case. The umpires made the correct call here, and in the end the game will not matter much since the Phillies will likely still finish the season with the best record in the National League.
Must C: Call [MLB]
The controversial play happened in the top of the sixth inning. Phillies outfielder Hunter Pence hit a fly ball to the wall in right field. Outfielder Bryan Petersen leaped at the wall, but the ball got away from him and rolled into the corner. Hunter Pence ran to second base, and Ryan Howard scored all the way from first base.
However, according to the replay, it was clear that Petersen's glove never touched the ball, as two Phillies fans in the front row of right field reached over the wall and knocked the ball away from Petersen. As a result, Pence was called out and Ryan Howard had to return to first base.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel initially argued that the ball should have been called a home run. However, replays showed that the ball would have hit the yellow line on the top of the wall had it not been caught by Petersen or interfered with by the fans. Manuel continued to argue and was ejected.
The Phillies are protesting this game, but in the end they do not have a strong case. The umpires made the correct call here, and in the end the game will not matter much since the Phillies will likely still finish the season with the best record in the National League.
Must C: Call [MLB]
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
