How Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Explained First-Inning Ejection Vs. Twins

Red Sox manager Alex Cora acknowledged the correct call was made, but took issue with how the decision came about.

The first-inning discrepancy prompted Cora to run onto the field, argue with the umpire crew and ultimately get ejected merely one out into Sunday afternoon’s contest.

“I mean, he blocked the bag. He did,” Cora told reporters in reference to second baseman Vaughn Grissom after Boston’s 8-1 win at Fenway Park, as seen on NESN’s postgame coverage. “But the whole mechanism, I didn’t like.”

Grissom blocked the second base base when Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta tried to pick off Twins leadoff man Byron Buxton. Buxton was ruled safe, but Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli still went onto the field and pleaded his case to the umpiring crew. Baldelli’s sentients ultimately caused the crew chief to give Buxton third base and rule obstruction against Grissom.

“It took them to argue and then (third base umpire) Alan (Porter) called time to get together,” Cora said. “And they got the call right, but you’re right there. Just call it. It’s a lot easier that way and I took exception and I got thrown out.”

The Red Sox ultimately did just fine without Cora. Red Sox slugger Triston Casas belted three home runs for the first time in his career, and Boston claimed Game 1 of Sunday’s doubleheader.

The Red Sox and Twins will take the field for Game 2 of the doubleheader with first pitch scheduled for 5:35 p.m. ET.