Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim tags out Chicago White Sox baserunner Elvis Andrus. But after review, it was ruled that Heim didn't give Andrus a clear lane to home plate, giving Chicago its go-ahead run. Jun 20, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) scores against Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim (28) during the eighth inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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The Chicago White Sox took down the Texas Rangers 7-6 on Tuesday night at Guaranteed Rate Field, and the go-ahead run was scored in very controversial fashion.

It appeared that the game would be tied 6-6 going to the ninth inning, after Chicago’s Elvis Andrus was called out at the plate while trying to score on a Zach Remillard single to left field.

However, the White Sox challenged the call, and after replay review, it was ruled that Rangers catcher Jonah Heim didn’t give Andrus a clear lane to home plate. Instead of the inning being over with the game tied, the White Sox scored what would go on to serve as the game-winning run.

Texas manager Bruce Bochy was ejected after arguing the call.

It was such a stunning overturn that even the White Sox television crew for NBC Sports Chicago couldn’t believe it and questioned it.

After watching replays, NBC Sports Chicago color commentator Steve Stone said, “I have no idea why that was a violation. But, we’re really happy it was.”

Stone added, “Right here, it doesn’t look like [Heim] is in front of the plate and he gives [Andrus] the outside corner to slide to. I think it’s a great break for the Sox, however, it doesn’t look like [Heim] impeded anything.”

NBC Sports Chicago play-by-play man Jason Benetti said, “This will be talked about for a long while,” and added, “This is one of those where the catchers of the world are going to say, ‘What do we do?'”

After the game, Bochy spoke to Bally Sports Southwest and said, “For that call to be made… I’m dumbfounded. It’s absolutely one of the worst calls I’ve ever seen and it was done by replay, I just don’t get it. I don’t care how many times they’ll try to explain it- you can’t do that in that situation. It’s a shame. It’s embarrassing, really… I don’t get it. I really don’t. Again, I’m shocked.”

MLB fans have been slamming the call on social media.

Adam Schein of Mad Dog Sports Radio and CBS Sports Network tweeted, “This has been an amazing baseball season. Umpiring and replay — REPLAY — worse than ever. I begged MLB not to implement replay. It’s a failure.”

Dallas sports anchor Mike Leslie of WFAA tweeted, “You can read the umps lips talking to Heim. He says ‘I don’t know.’ What question he’s answering is unclear… but it’s not hard to imagine it was ‘what else am I supposed to do?’ or some variation of ‘How is that blocking the plate?’ Brutal call that drastically altered a game.”

Peoria sports anchor of WMBD News tweeted, “NFL: What is a catch? NBA: What’s a charge? NHL: What’s goalie obstruction? MLB: What’s blocking the plate?”

As Benetti said, it’s a call we’re going to hear talked about for a while, and it will be interesting to see if MLB addresses the ruling.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.

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