MLB's Unlikely Turn: Red Sox Score Run After Blue Jays Fail to Record Fourth Out

Last night's game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays took an unexpected turn when the umpires stopped play to consult with MLB officials in New York about a rule interpretation.

The delay lasted for 15 minutes, but it ultimately led to the Red Sox scoring their first run of the game. The confusion arose in the top of the seventh inning when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. trapped a liner hit by Nick Sogard, resulting in a force out at second base instead of a double play.

With runners on the corners and one out, Ceddanne Rafaela hit a soft fly ball to center field, which nearly everyone on the field treated as if it was two outs. However, the Blue Jays finally realized their mistake and threw to first to double off Connor Wong, ending the inning.

The issue at hand was an appeal of Rule 5.09(c), which states that any appeal must be made before the next pitch or attempted play. The Red Sox could have appealed a potential fourth out by tagging up on Seigler's run, but since the Blue Jays left the field, they lost their right to do so.