Grandal runs into the throw on purpose, a breakdown

Oct 14, 2021 1.9M views 4:45
MLB 2021

What Happened

In a tight playoff matchup between the Houston Astros and the opposing team, the game is tied 7-7 in the bottom of the fourth inning. Houston Astros pitcher Zack Greinke takes the mound, facing off against Chicago White Sox catcher Yasmani Grandal. Grandal steps up to the plate with two runners on base and no outs. On the previous at-bat, Greinke had Grandal down 0-2 in the count, but failed to get the strikeout call. Grandal then went on to hit a home run, tying the game. Now, Grandal looks to extend the White Sox's lead. He fouls off the first pitch, and then hits a dribbler down the first base line. As Greinke fields the ball and throws home, the ball skids away from the catcher. Grandal, running in the grass alongside the baseline, collides with the throw, allowing the runner to score and the White Sox to take the lead. Astros manager Dusty Baker argues vehemently, claiming Grandal intentionally ran into the throw. However, the umpires confer and determine that Grandal was running his own baseline, which is permitted by the rules. They explain to Baker that as long as Grandal did not intentionally interfere with the play, the run stands. The umpires further clarify that the baseline only matters for plays at first base and home plate, and the runner is allowed to establish their own path to the base. Unless Grandal had thrown his shoulder up to block the throw, the play is considered legal. Unsatisfied, Baker continues to express his disagreement, but the umpires stand by their decision, and the run counts. The game continues, with Greinke inducing a few more grounders down the first base line, some of which result in outs and others in safe plays for the White Sox. This unusual play highlights the nuances of the baseline rule and the judgment calls required by umpires. While it may seem counterintuitive, Grandal's actions were deemed within the rules, leading to a tense and pivotal moment in this high-stakes playoff matchup between the Astros and the White Sox.

Full Transcript

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bottom of the fourth inning in a lds

playoff game zach grenky comes in he

checks out the scoreboard he's like

what's the situation or the situation

it's seven to six houston's losing