Ball gets stuck in Cubs’ ivy, game comes to screeching halt
By Mike Dyce
The Chicago Cubs hit a ball into their own ivy, then complained when the game to a halt and they got an unfavorable ruling.
The San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs are squaring off in Kris Bryant’s debut. While the rookie’s first Major League Baseball game isn’t going well, but things for the Cubs aren’t going well in general.
During the bottom of the 7th inning, it looked like the Cubs had scored a game-tying run after a deep hit bounced up against the back wall.
The only problem is that the ball got stuck in the ivy.
The Kris Bryant debut came to a standstill over a ball being stuck in the dead ivy. #Cubs https://t.co/14hMvRc8DW
— Josh Hill (@jdavhill) April 17, 2015
wrigley field wall defensive player of the year pic.twitter.com/xme6a2pfEm
— Lana Berry (@Lana) April 17, 2015
The Cubs’ Dexter Fowler rounded the bases to tie the game initially, but the got sent back for to second base because it is a ground rule double when the ball gets caught in the ivy. The umpires stopped the game to discuss it for a few minutes, making sure they had the call right, before the game resumed. Ultimately, they decided a ground rule double was the right call.
Cubs fans were rather incensed about the ruling, despite it being their park and basically their rules.
Kind of bogus when the Ivy is dead and you can see the ball from a mile away. #Cubs #Padres
— MLB News (@MLBnews) April 17, 2015
I get the rule but if you can SEE the ball shouldn't play continue? I've never seen this happen without the ivy in bloom. #Cubs
— Micah (@WhatTheMicah) April 17, 2015
Cursed by umps and ivy. #Cubs
— Dawn (@sunnryz) April 17, 2015
I can see that ball from here and I am in Indianapolis. No way that's a ground rule double in the ivy. #Cubs
— Hunky (@hunkywoehler) April 17, 2015
Others were a little more practical.
How long has the @Cubs had that ivy covering the outfield wall and they still don't know the rule when the ball gets stuck lol
— Michael W. II (@mdubbya87) April 17, 2015
That ivy ground rule will benefit the Cubs later in the season. Guarantee it.
— Michael Castillo (@MichaelCastFS) April 17, 2015
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