The controversial ruling that Luis Urías checked his swing opened the door for the Red Sox to hit a walk-off grand slam against the Royals. Photo Credit: Bally Sports Kansas City Red Sox infielder Luis Urías appears to strike out. But umpire Vic Carapazza ruled he checked his swing. Photo Credit: Bally Sports Kansas City
FeaturedMLBBy Michael Dixon on

While most plays you’ll see in a Major League Baseball game are reviewable, check swings are not. That loomed large in Monday’s game between the Kansas City Royals and Boston Red Sox.

The score was tied 2-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning when Boston’s Luis Urías came to the plate with two outs and two runners on base. The 3-2 offering from Kansas City’s Carlos Hernández was high and Urías tried to check his swing. It looked as though Urías went around. So, it should have been an inning-ending strikeout. But on the appeal, first base umpire Vic Carapazza ruled that he checked his swing and walked.

And if Hernández retired the next hitter, Pablo Reyes, it wouldn’t be such a big deal. But that’s not what happened. Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro briefly argued the call. The game ended shortly after Quatraro left the field, as Reyes drilled the second pitch he saw from Hernández off of the Fisk Foul Pole in left field for a walk-off grand slam.

Quatraro took a fairly diplomatic approach after the game, though did make it clear that he disagreed with the call.

Others were not as diplomatic.

Carapazza has been a central figure in multiple umpire controversies this year. And baseball fans were critical of his call on Monday night.

[Jomboy Media, Dillard Barnhart]

About Michael Dixon

Michael is a writer and editor for The Comeback Media. He is Bay Area native living in the Indianapolis area. Michael is also a big nerd when it comes to sports history and to a slightly lesser extent, all history. Beyond that, loves tacos, pizza and random Seinfeld quotes.

Feel free to voice your agreements or disagreements. If you do so respectfully, Michael will gladly respond in kind.

Twitter: @mfdixon1985 (mostly personal but a lot of sports)/@mdixonsports (All work/sports related)

Email: mdixon@thecomeback.com

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