MLB Accused Of Rigging World Series After ‘Dead Ball’ Decision (Bad call on "Lodged" ball in the 9th)

The Spun ^ | 11/01/2025 | Chris Rosvoglou

[SaxxonWoods]

The call was right, the player decided he didn’t have time to get the ball to home plate so he went for the unplayable ball call. Nice try, no cigar.

[Bulwinkle]

“A ball is considered lodged if, in the judgment of the umpire, the natural trajectory of the flight of the ball is interrupted long enough to affect further play. A batted ball that sticks in a fence…”

Clearly, the right call!

[rainee]

If it was lodged in padding, right call
Smart move because if player touches ball, it’s in play
Did they review via instant replay?

[JerseyDvl]

“Blame Canada, they’re not even a real country anyway.”

[Mariner]

As a Giants fan I have a very, very strong dislike of the Dodgers.

But that was a good call.

[dfwgator]

You don’t have to like the rule, but it is clear.

[SunkenCiv]

“without leaving the playing field”

[dfwgator]

Assume the ball bounces off the wall and goes right to the outfielder, I wouldn’t be so sure if that lead runner scores anyway.

[dfwgator]

That final out was dumb, did he really think that ball wouldn’t be caught?

[MinorityRepublican]

Clearly, the right call!

Perhaps so. Then clearly it is a bad rule because the ball was playable and in the field even though it was "lodged".

[Kleon]

“Ball was easily retrievable and playable”

That doesn’t matter. If it was under the padding at all, then it’s a dead ball.

[cgbg]

Agreed.

That is a very common error for baserunners.

They have to make a split second judgement—and often get it wrong.

[dfwgator]

Now I do have a bone to pick with the stadium crew for even having that gap there.

[alancarp]

The call was quick, correct, and even the announcers knew the rule. There was truly no controversy.

[greenishness]

"if, in the judgment of the umpire, the natural trajectory of the flight of the ball is interrupted long enough to affect further play. A batted ball that sticks in a fence, scoreboard, shrubbery or vines located on the playing field should be considered a lodged ball."

There is no discussion.

[redshawk]

yep. lodged ball. umps called it correctly.

[odawg]

“...flight of the ball is interrupted long enough to affect further play.”

Just the opposite happened. The lodged ball made it easier to retrieve, since the player did not have to chase it down.

[Repealthe17thAmendment]

It was the most clear lodged ball you might ever see. It hit the crease between the wall and the warning track on the fly and came to a dead stop instantly.

[dfwgator]

I wonder if he thought there were two outs, because with two outs you run on contact.

[ridesthemiles]

EXACTLY