Royals Face Controversy After Close Call in ALDS Game 1
NEW YORK — Following the Royals’ 6-5 loss to the Yankees on Saturday night, second baseman Michael Massey took a moment to analyze a crucial play that occurred in the seventh inning of Game 1 of the ALDS. He positioned himself in front of a screen within the visitors’ clubhouse, eager to review the footage, saying, “To make sure I had the facts.”
Key Play Involving Jazz Chisholm Jr.
About an hour prior, Jazz Chisholm Jr. attempted to steal second base. Massey executed a high leap to catch a throw from catcher Salvador Perez and tagged Chisholm just as he arrived at the base. Initially, umpire Lance Barrett ruled Chisholm safe. After manager Matt Quatraro signaled for a challenge, the ruling remained unchanged, leaving the Royals frustrated with the replay system.
Had Chisholm been called out, it would have resulted in the second out of the inning, leading to the next batter striking out. Instead, Alex Verdugo’s subsequent hit contributed to Chisholm becoming the winning run. Massey expressed his discontent stating, “We tagged up the photos and you could see clear contact, and then you could see the daylight between his foot and the base.”
Team Responses and Reflection on the Call
Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, Massey insisted the play wasn’t the sole reason for the game’s outcome, acknowledging that the Royals had ample opportunities to score but did not capitalize. He mentioned the eight walks issued by Royals pitchers, highlighting other mistakes made throughout the game.
“That’s not the reason we lost the game,” Massey stated. “We had plenty of opportunities to score runs and make plays, and we didn’t.” Fellow player MJ Melendez added, “We kind of see it one way… But I thought he was out. Obviously, it’s a little unfortunate.”
Replay System Scrutinized
Massey expressed skepticism about the MLB replay system, which relies on a command center in New York staffed by major league umpires. Decisions can only be overturned if there is clear and convincing evidence. After reviewing the angles himself, he found it puzzling that the call stood. “If we’re gonna have this system and we’re playing an imperfect game… I don’t know how you can really be 100 percent sure on anything to overturn it,” he said.
The close play exemplified the challenges and controversies familiar to postseason baseball, where split-second decisions can hinge on subjective interpretations. As the Royals continue in the postseason, they are left to ponder the implications of the replay system and the outcome of their hard-fought match.
Was he out? www.nytimes.com
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