The World Series umpires were forced to explain an overturned call after Game 1. Little did we know that three days later they’d be explaining the most bizarre ending in World Series history.
Game 3 of the World Series ended with a walk-off obstruction call. Will Middlebrooks dived in an attempt to reel in a throw from catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia in the bottom of the ninth inning. Allen Craig, who slid into third base, popped up from his slide and tried to continue home, but stumbled over Middlebrooks. Daniel Nava retrieved the ball and delivered a strike to the plate for what the Red Sox thought was an inning-ending out, only to then find out that obstruction had been called on Middlebrooks.
The result: Game over. Cardinals win.
Click here to see the crazy final play >>
John Farrell and numerous Red Sox players immediately began to plead their case After the game, everyone — including the players in the Red Sox’ clubhouse — tried to make sense of what had just happened. It was a unique play and a unique call that’s difficult to understand, but the umpires did their best after the game to shed some light on the most unlikely of finishes.
Check out the umpires’ explanation of the game-ending call below.
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