The Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals were featured in one of the more bizarre displays of ump show this side of the Mississippi.
I do not know if I’m capable of explaining what just went down in D.C., but I’ll do my best.
With the game tied at three runs apiece, Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes hit a line drive to Nats first baseman Josh Bell. The liner was caught, but Hoy Park and Jack Suwinski were unaware of this.
Park was tagged out, as well as third base, so theoretically the inning should have ended on a double play. However, a bizarre rule actually gave the Bucs a run, as Suwinski was able to cross home plate.
Pirates-Nationals: What is Rule 5.09?
Here’s what happened:
The Nats had to make an appeal to third base, as to Suwinski leaving the bag early. Because they all left the field early and assumed the inning was over (which is should have been, if we’re being honest), the Bucs were awarded the run.
I think I get it now: The Nats, even after recording the second and third outs on the play, still were required to formally appeal the other runner leaving third base too soon. Because they didn't, he's allowed to score, even though he didn't properly tag up?
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) June 29, 2022
Do you get it, Mark? Because this Mark has no freaking clue.
The official rule, labeled rule 5.09 in the rulebook, explains the need to appeal while all the players are on the field in details. If it seems a big backwards, that’s because it’s a dumb, old rule that really should not exist. Like most things in baseball, an update would be nice.
The last two paragraphs here may explain it. Basically, the Nationals were required to make another appeal to technically record a "fourth out" before the defense left the field. This obviously doesn't happen often. pic.twitter.com/Qy3MtubAaC
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) June 29, 2022
Ah yes, you know, the fourth out! Makes a ton of sense, right?