Stay Safe at Home: Blue Jays Get Called, Win with Controversial Ending

Minneapolis — Playoff-style action In August, win them in four back-and-force games, play over 14 hours, and end it all with one blunder.

The Blue Jays broke out of the target field with an additional 3-2 innings on Sunday to win a 2-2 Series split with AL Central's leading Twins.

And what an escape it was!

Twins catcher Gary Sanchez was controversial (technically) to safely control Whit Merrifield at home after determining it was illegal. They did, thanks to the video reviews (although they are correct). Block the plate.

The decision from New York was that when Rocco Baldelli of the Twins almost fainted after that ten times, the collapse of modern and truly wonderful management. The outcall on the plate that caused one was canceled by a video review.

"It was probably one of the most chickens I've ever seen on a baseball field and was done to the team. "Baldelli then yelled. "And to make a decision that someone intervened and eventually blocked the plate in that situation ... that's embarrassing for our game.

" (( (Embarrassingly) Players on either side of the field are moving the donkey throughout the game. "

As you can imagine, Jaze is far more than Chicken Poop's opinion. It was a lot of chicken salad. The closer Jordan Romano at the bottom of the ninth.

According to the wording of the rule, this call could certainly be considered correct, but its interpretation is preparing for a pending playoff race. It was certainly a big verdict for the two teams. I like it throughout the weekend.

It was clearly a sweet ending for Jaze, who was 3-3 in 6 games on a 9-game road trip that was part of 19 games. Stretch against an opponent who has a record of victory.

"Maybe a little," asked Interim Jaze manager John Schneider if he was surprised that the call to ensure victory was overturned. When I said. "But I think the phone was right."

So did Merrifield, a knowledgeable and speedy runner who had already had a big impact on his first weekend with Jaze. rice field. His instinct was intense when he went from 2nd to 3rd at the expense of 10 days and returned to Maddash Home with another flyball to the outfield.

"I felt like playing on the plate," Merrifield began explaining what was unfolded. "For the first few steps, I bowed down and looked up, and Gary straddled the home plate. I tried to slip into him as straight as possible.

"I know what the rules are. I think they called it right. I thought it should be turned over. Obviously, that's a big point in the game and rule decisions. I don't want to end up in, but there's a reason for the rules:

"He has to give me a lane to slip in, and I I didn't think I had it. I'm glad they made the right call. "

Of course, Valdelli disagreed. From the bottom of my heart (and blasphemy), you may say.

"They played on the field. I know this is the right call and everyone in baseball (including the amp) is the right call." Said Valdelli. "And someone in New York decided it was worth overthrowing in the field. It's (buzzer) terrible."

Schneider is challenging what he is I wasn't sure, but I saw the same thing as Merrifield, the lane blocked by the plate.

In the end, it was a phone that could go in either direction. This phone has ended a very exciting series between two teams who want more. It will be the same for the next few weeks. Jaze recorded his 60th victory and improved to 4-6 in the extrining game.

But beyond numbers and controversy, they felt the intensity of the confrontation with quality opponents during the year when the intensity began to ratchet.

"I'm very excited to play in the playoff race and do what the team knows will help them win the match," said each of the three games. The hit Merrifield said. As Jay, he added his fourth runner prowess. "When the opportunity comes and I'm at the base, I know it can cause a bit of havoc on my feet. Such things are this talented, especially at this time of the year. I find it valuable to the team.

"It was a bit of fun because it felt like one of the big series I've played for a while.

It looked like a few hours before the chaos began, but Jaze starter Kevin Gausman threw 6 innings scoreless and hit 5 with 6 hits. Forgive me. In the 14 innings he has thrown in the last two starts, talented right-handed players have not yet allowed to run.

Especially with bullpen in full crush mode, such better effort is required. But character victories, even controversial ones, add value as the season gets deeper.

"It's a good team to split and get out of here in such a game. Hopefully it will be taken over a bit more," Schneider said. "Being in these places is really good for the team. If you want to go where you want to go, you need more."