What is Rule 5.09? Nationals irate over bizarre regulation

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.

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.

Ah yes, you know, the fourth out! Makes a ton of sense, right?