Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora was ejected from Sunday's game against Minnesota for arguing against an interference call on a pickoff attempt.
It happened in the top of the first inning with one out and a Twins runner on second base and the game still scoreless. On the 3-2 pitch to batter Carlos Correa, Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta made a pickoff throw to second. Twins runner Byron Buxton made it back to second standing up as second baseman Vaughn Grissom was unable to get the tag on Buxton in time.
Upon closer look and further discussion, likely inspired by a suggestion from Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, the umpires realized that Grissom dropped his knee down to the ground, blocking Buxton's path back to the bag. By rule this year, this is considered interference, and Buxton was allowed to advance to third base. This brought Cora out of the dugout to argue with the umpires.
Cora got angry and got himself ejected, but made sure to get his money's worth. He ran over to second base and pointed at the bag, then tried to get in the face of second base umpire Dan Merzel as third base umpire Alan Porter stepped in between to keep them separated. Cora appeared to be upset by the fact that Merzel did not make the interference call initially and let himself be influenced by the other umpires.
Alex Cora went NUTS after this interference call pic.twitter.com/VHpxV660gg
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) September 22, 2024
Based on the review, the interference ruling appeared to be the correct call based on the rule. This certainly isn't the first time that Cora has exploded on an umpire this season. It would seem that his temper tantrum may have been a bit excessive given the situation, but Cora may have been trying to light a fire under the Red Sox, who are about to be eliminated from playoff contention.
For what it's worth, Cora's plan seemed to work. The Red Sox made it out of the first inning without giving up a run, then scored three in the bottom of the first and went on to blow out the Twins 8-1.
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.
