Tampa Bay Rays Overcome Viral Replay Blunder to Fend Off Colorado Rockies
The Tampa Bay Rays eked out a win over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night, but not without some drama towards the end of the game.
Tampa Bay entered the bottom of the ninth inning down 5-3 to the worst team in the National League. The Rays clawed their way back into it thanks to a two-RBI single by All-Star first baseman Yandy Diaz, giving themselves multiple chances to snatch the win then and there.
Left fielder Randy Arozarena got hit by a pitch to load the bases with one out and the score suddenly tied. Designated hitter Luke Raley grounded to second the very next at-bat, and the Rockies got the force out at home to stay alive.
A replay review saved Raley from an inning-ending double play, but Tampa Bay wouldn't be quite as lucky the next time the umpires put on the headsets.
Infielder Isaac Paredes chopped a grounder to third, sprinting down the first base line in an attempt to beat out the throw. Third baseman Ryan McMahon flung the ball a bit wide, forcing first baseman Elehuris Montero to lunge out and snag it.
Montero's foot came off the bag on the play, all while Diaz came around to score what appeared to be the winning run, but Paredes was called out. Manager Kevin Cash's challenge was unsuccessful, and the game instead went to extra innings.
According to Fastball's own Tom Brew, no replay had a full angle of the ball entering Montero's glove that also showed where his foot was at the time. Since there was not enough evidence to overturn the initial decision, the call stood, inviting boos from the crowd at Tropicana Field, as well as heavy criticism from the broadcast team.
Reliever Pete Fairbanks got the Rays through the top of the 10th unscathed, then second baseman Brandon Lowe opened up the bottom of the inning with a walk-off single to finally put a bow on the comeback. Tampa Bay improved to 77-51 with the victory, having now won five out of its last six.
The Rays and Rockies will close out their series Thursday at 1:10 p.m. ET. Tampa Bay can clinch a sweep with a win.
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