[beezdotcom]

The umpire signaled strike three because Pierzynski swung at the ball. He had no option. But there were eight Angels facing the play who could and should have seen the umpire point to first base, and a catcher who should have realized that in a 1-1 game in an ALCS, you make sure of the out by tagging the batter anyway. That's common practice.

Yes, but adding to the confusion is the NEXT call - after pointing to first, he raised his fist. Soem folks are saying that's the strike call, but it sure looks like OUT to most folks.

[Colonel_Flagg]

Just another reason to run out the play, in my book. What we don't know is what was said on the field. If I'm the batter and I don't hear the umpire call me out, you bet I'm hightailing it to first base and I'm waiting for someone to call me out.

The rules say the batter has the option to run to first base until he actually reaches the dugout steps on his way back to the bench. So Pierzynski was absolutely within his rights to run.

I was addressing the issue of cheating that some people have brought up. The quality of the umpire's call is something else again. The Angels could have prevented any controversy by simply finishing the play.

And BTW, I don't have a dog in this fight. I'm a Twins fan so I certainly have no love for the White Sox.

[sharkhawk]

Yes, but adding to the confusion is the NEXT call - after pointing to first, he raised his fist. Soem folks are saying that's the strike call, but it sure looks like OUT to most folks.

But Paul has already rolled the ball back to the mound before the ump made the fist motion. I am rooting for the Sox, but the Ump made the wrong call. However, the Angels made the mistake of not finishing the play.