Trevor Joseph
Last night the Cleveland Guardians took on the Detroit Tigers in game three of a four-game series that was tied at one game a piece. In the top of the 1st with two outs, a ball was hit towards second base where it then hit the bag and bounced to the Guardians’ shortstop Tyler Freemen who fired the ball to Guardians’ catcher Austin Hedges at home plate who then tagged out the runner for the third out.
Or at least that is what Cleveland thought had happened. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch then called for a review where the call was overturned and the Officials stated that Hedges did not give the runner a clear path to the plate therefore the runner was safe and the run scored.
One batter later the Tigers’ designated hitter extended the Detroit lead to 3-0 after a two-run homer off Guardians starting pitcher Zach Plesac. In the post-game interview speaking to Bally Sports’ Andre Knott, Austin Hedges did not hold back calling out the officials and the replay center located in New York City.
Cleveland Guardians players were not happy with the officials and think they should be held responsible
“First of all, it cost the game, Hedges said following the Guardians’ 4-3 loss. It’s a play that’s been called a few times now recently that really has never been called before. And for some reason, New York feels like they need to take over the game and change the way the game’s played. Guys are just out. There’s plays at home that are beating the runners and for 150 years you’re out. And now, we’re calling some type of rule that is really tricky to define. And to be able to take the game into their own hands that way and to — first of all, that cost one run automatically — and then what ended up transitioning. Honestly, it’s a disgrace, it’s embarrassing. I think New York owes Zach Plesac specifically an apology because they took the game out of his hands. The guy was throwing the ball amazing. And overturning that call right there, like I said, it cost the game. Hedges proceeded to take aim at the rest of the umpire crew from Tuesday night’s game, which saw Cleveland manager Terry Francona and center fielder Myles Straw ejected in the ninth inning following another controversial call.” according to WKYC.com.
Fans seem to be getting involved
This lead the fans to demand that officials in every sport be held accountable for bad calls as this happens across the world and in every sport at every level. The Guardians now hold only a one-game lead over the Minnesota Twins for first place in the American League Central as they do battle with the Tigers one more time for the series.
Image Credits: Wikimedia commons.
