Fans ripped into a wasteful umpiring call and the Red Sox for exhausting their ABS challenges early, which led to DH Adley Rutschman being struck out on a low ball during the series finale against the Pirates at PNC Park on Sunday. The viral moment happened in the top of the sixth, with Boston trailing 7-3.
On a 1-2 count, Pirates LHP Hunter Barco threw a low pitch that clearly missed the strike zone but was still called a strike by the home plate umpire, much to Rutschman’s shock. Because there were no challenges left, Boston couldn’t request a review, and the game resumed with the next hitter coming to the plate from the deck.
Watch the video here:
“Adley Rutschman strikes out on a pitch at his ankles as the Red Sox are out of challenges.”
Adley Rutschman strikes out on a pitch at his ankles as the Red Sox are out of challenges
by
u/Sandwich_Crust in
baseball
Fans were quick to share their reactions to the game’s viral moment, with some offering their takes on the ABS challenges used this season and others criticizing the umpire for lax calls during the series finale.
“Man, ABS has only shown me how pointless a challenge system is. Why do we want to get calls wrong when we know we can easily get them right?” one fan commented.
Comment
by
u/Sandwich_Crust from discussionin
baseball
“You know it’s bad when Adley is visibly upset with you,” another fan commented.
Comment
by
u/Sandwich_Crust from discussionin
baseball
“As a catcher he knows the zone. That was a good 2 inches low,” yet another fan commented.
Comment
by
u/Sandwich_Crust from discussionin
baseball
“Umpires are not having a good day, today,” a fan commented.
Comment
by
u/Sandwich_Crust from discussionin
baseball
“That’s not even close,” another fan commented.
Comment
by
u/Sandwich_Crust from discussionin
baseball
“I know Adley had some of the worst luck in the league last year with bad strike calls against him,” yet another fan commented.
Comment
by
u/Sandwich_Crust from discussionin
baseball
Rutschman went 0-for-3, drawing a walk in Sunday’s 8-3 loss to Pittsburgh, which also helped the home side secure a crucial series win. All three runs for Boston came off the bat of Connor Wong, who finished 2-for-3, crushing a home run and registering three RBIs.
Injuries Have Marred Adley Rutschman’s Performances This Season
So far this season, Rutschman has spent three stints on the injured list, with the first from April 11 to April 21 due to left ankle inflammation, the second from June 19 to June 28 due to a concussion, and the most recent from July 20 to August 11 due to left wrist inflammation.
The injuries have somewhat limited his game time and offensive production this campaign. Rutschman has a .239 batting average, with eight home runs, 47 RBIs, and a .736 OPS in 72 games. He is projected to post subpar numbers, with just 10 home runs and 61 RBIs this year.
Boston is 66-58 for the season, third in the AL East, 8.5 games behind division leaders, the TB Rays. The Sox will now begin a crucial six-game homestand against the Diamondbacks and the Giants.
Also read:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball,tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball.