The Washington nationals were on the wrong side of Deja Vu in Houston Wednesday with a controversial play that left manager Dave Martinez livid.
The Nationals thought they had pulled an inning-ending double play in the ninth that would have forced extra innings. Instead, the Astros walked off with a win after an errant throw from Nats catcher Keibert Ruiz to first base.
Martinez felt Nats first baseman Michael Chavis was obstructed by Astros outfielder Jake Meyers when Meyers ran outside of the base path to first. Jose Abreu scored the game-winning run due to the throwing error. After losing the game 5-4, Martinez voiced his frustration while showing photo evidence that Meyers was outside the first base line.
“There it is, right there. Take a good look at it. Is that on the line? I don’t think so,” Martinez said. “I’m over this play. Seriously, they need to fix the rule. This is what the umpire sees that he’s running down the line? Tired of it. Tired of it. Fix it. We lost the game and he had nothing to say about it because he can’t make the right call. Brutal, brutal.”
The play was eerily similar to Game 6 of the 2019 World Series, involving then Nationals shortstop Trea Turner running to first base against the Astros. Turner was called out for interference, resulting in Martinez losing his cool at the umpire before getting ejected.
Thursday’s play brought back bad memories for Martinez. It may be understandable the skipper didn’t keep his cool once again. If umpires cannot call one way or another without consistency, maybe it is time to reconsider the rule.
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