Red Sox catch a break by bizarre rule in extra innings, a breakdown

Oct 11, 2021 1.7M views 5:48

What Happened

In the top of the 13th inning of a tied game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox, Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen is in a tight battle against Red Sox outfielder Kiké Hernández. Rasmussen delivers a series of nasty pitches - fastballs up in the zone, a deceptive curveball, and a filthy changeup - completely stifling the Red Sox hitters. With a full count, Hernández hits a deep fly ball that appears headed for the wall. Tampa Bay outfielder Manuel Margot races back, but the ball ricochets off the wall and then off Margot's body, bouncing back over the wall. Umpires convene to discuss the bizarre play, ultimately ruling that Hernández and the baserunner, Yandy Díaz, are awarded two bases due to the ball's accidental deflection out of play. Rays manager Kevin Cash emerges from the dugout, but after a discussion with the umpires, he decides not to argue the call. Cash explains that he is familiar with this specific rule, recalling a similar incident from two seasons ago involving the Rays. The umpire clarifies that since the deflection was unintentional, the runners are awarded the extra bases. "Wow, wow," mutters Rays infielder Vimael Machín, clearly frustrated by the turn of events. The next batter, Mike Zunino, is unable to capitalize, and the Rays fail to score in the inning. In the bottom of the 13th, Red Sox outfielder Rob Refsnyder steps to the plate against Rays pitcher Ryan Yarbrough. On the first pitch, Refsnyder hits a fly ball that just clears the Green Monster, giving the Red Sox a walkoff victory. Red Sox players pour out of the dugout, celebrating the improbable win. "That's the beauty of baseball," says , the host of . "You play the field, you play the dimensions." The Red Sox players douse each other with water bottles, reveling in the thrilling extra-innings victory against their divisional rivals.

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baseball reared its ugly head again

yesterday tied up at four apiece in the

top of the 13th inning and before this

pavetta was absolutely dealing

fastball's top of the zone fastball's