In a dramatic pivot during Wednesday night's game, the Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a 9-4 defeat against the Philadelphia Phillies, a loss marked by a controversial call and an explosive inning from the Phillies.
Turning Point in the Sixth
Heading into the sixth inning, the Dodgers clung to a narrow 4-3 lead. However, the game took an unexpected turn as the Phillies roared back, tallying five runs and flipping their one-run deficit into an 8-4 lead.
A pivotal moment in the inning came when Brandon Marsh laid down a bunt to advance Alec Bohm, who stood at second base as the tying run. Dodgers third baseman Enrique Hernandez fielded the ball and threw to third, where Miguel Rojas was waiting to apply the tag. Yet, third-base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt ruled Bohm safe, citing obstruction.
Rule Change Controversy
This controversial call stemmed from a recent rule change requiring fielders to possess the ball before positioning themselves in front of a base. This rule cannot be challenged or reviewed via video replay, leaving the Dodgers with no recourse.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, visibly upset by the decision, was ejected from the game. After the game, Roberts didn't hold back his displeasure, stating, "He got it wrong. That's just a fact. Umpiring is hard. They do a great job. Tonight, that play affected the game."
Miguel Rojas echoed Roberts' frustration: "I think this guy has seen this play a million times, and he just wanted some part of, I don't know, part of a moment in the game."
The Fallout
The Phillies capitalized on the momentum from the controversial call. Reliever Joe Kelly, brought in to stem the tide, struggled on the mound. Kelly walked two batters and then threw a wild pitch, further unravelling the Dodgers' defense. The coup de grâce came when Kelly served up a three-run homer to Kyle Schwarber, sealing the Phillies' dominant inning.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Phillies look to carry their momentum into their upcoming series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, starting Thursday. For the Dodgers, the focus shifts to their next series against the Pittsburgh Pirates beginning Friday.
Marvin Hudson, reflecting on the rule that played a crucial role in the sixth inning, remarked, "He's got to have the ball before he can get in front of the bag. That's the new rule this year."
This game serves as a stark reminder of how a single call can dramatically alter the course of a game, leaving one team frustrated and another thrilled. As teams adapt to new rules, moments like these will inevitably stir debate and shape the narratives of their seasons.