Baltimore Orioles infielder Ryan Flaherty was the victim of an unusual strikeout during Monday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays when an umpire ruled he swung at a pitch that hit him in the leg.
It happened in the top of the fourth inning as Flaherty appeared to check his swing on an 0-2 pitch from Rays pitcher Chris Archer that hit him in the back ankle. Flaherty immediately tossed his bat away and headed for first, but home plate umpire Dan Bellino seemed a bit unsure about the call. After conferring with third base umpire Tim Welke, Bellino ruled that Flaherty went around on his swing. The end result was strike three and the end of the inning, as it was also the third out. Flaherty was dumbfounded, and Orioles manager Buck Showalter argued his case, but to no avail.
Although the judgement on the swing was a close call, it was easy to see with instant replay that Flaherty was hit by the pitch and should have been given first base. Instead, the strikeout ended a three-run rally for the Orioles. Bad call by the umps.
The Rays won the game 5-4 as they continue their push for a wild card playoff birth.
Video via 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.
