New MLB rule leads to Rays win over Blue Jays (Video)

Toronto Blue Jays suffer their first loss of the season thanks to a new sliding rule.

The Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays were in a tight battle all night long win the Blue Jays clinging to a 2-1 lead until the bottom of the 8th. Logan Forsythe would hit a two-run home run in that inning to give Rays the lead and that would hold up to the game winner.

But that is not because the Jays could not rally in the top of the 9th, instead it was a new sliding rule and instant replay that would cost them.

Ryan Goins would get the inning started for Toronto with an infield single after Forsythe booted the chopper. After a Kevin Pillar fly out, Josh Donaldson singles, then Jose Bautista walks to load the bases.

This brings Edwin Encarnacion to the plate. He hits into what could have been a double play, but Bautista’s slide breaks it up, and the throw to first is wild. Goins and Donaldson score to give the Blue Jays the lead back. Only a new rule introduced this season to protect fielders from slides would lead to a different outcome.

The Rays would call for a review of the play under the new rule, and the officials would determine that Bautista’s hand, which never left the ground, disrupted Forsythe’s ankle and was the reason why the throw to first was wild. The play is ruled a double play and the Rays win 3-2.

Needless to say, Toronto players and fans were none too pleased with the result. Manager John Gibbons also came up with a very unique  response for how crazy he thought the call was.

While this was a awful way to loose in April, it will be even worse for the MLB if a game in September or October if a game is lost like this.