A very strange play in the fifth inning Thursday ended with a runner cut down at the plate, a rally stymied and Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons ejected from the game.
Devon Travis produced a one-out single into center field off Boston Red Sox starter Wade Miley with runners at first and second. Danny Valencia attempted to score from second base, at which point center fielder Mookie Betts delivered a strong throw home to prevent Toronto from scoring its fifth run.
Controversy quickly ensued. It appeared Hanigan, who blocked the plate with his left leg, completely missed the tag. It also looked like Valencia missed the plate while sliding around Hanigan. Either way, home plate umpire Gerry Davis called Valencia out even before Miley instructed Hanigan to tag — or re-tag, depending on how you viewed the initial slide — the runner.
The Blue Jays challenged the out call. And after a three-minute, five-second review, the initial call stood, which prompted Gibbons to emerge from the dugout for an animated discussion with Davis. The Toronto skipper was tossed moments later.
It was a weird night at Rogers Centre. The game was filled with several head-scratching moments. But the fifth-inning play at the plate was as bizarre as any other moment.
It also was an important play at the time, as it stifled the Blue Jays’ surge in an eventual 12-6 Red Sox win.
Thumbnail photo via Nick Turchiaro/USA TODAY Sports Images
