Introduction to a Bizarre Baseball Rule
The world of baseball is filled with intricacies and rules that can sometimes leave fans and players alike scratching their heads. One such rule made its presence known during a recent game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers. This rule, though quirky, played a significant role in the outcome of the game, particularly in preventing the Mets from turning a double play.
The Play That Changed the Game
The incident occurred in the top of the third inning, with one out and two Dodgers runners on base. Mookie Betts hit a line drive into right-center field, where both Juan Soto and Tyrone Taylor converged. In a spectacular display of fielding, Taylor managed to grab the ball with his bare right hand after it popped out of Soto’s glove, all before it could hit the ground. Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ Michael Conforto tagged up from second base, and Shohei Ohtani did the same from first.
Understanding the Rule
The key to understanding this play lies in the MLB rules regarding when a runner can leave their base. According to these rules, a runner is allowed to leave the base once the ball initially makes contact with the glove and does not have to wait until the catch is made. This technicality meant that Conforto’s decision to leave before Taylor had complete control of the ball was deemed legal, preventing a potential inning-ending double play when Francisco Lindor stepped on second base.
Impact on the Game
This ruling extended the inning, which was eventually halted due to rain with the Mets’ Griffin Canning facing Freddie Freeman. The game remained scoreless at that point, with the Dodgers threatening with runners in scoring position. The Mets later lost the game in a rain-soaked, extra innings affair, despite a ninth-inning comeback that tied the game. They were unable to capitalize on chances to win in the 10th, 11th, and 12th innings, ultimately falling 7-5 in the longest Mets game of the ghost runner era.
Aftermath and Next Steps
The loss was a tough pill to swallow for the Mets, who showed valiant effort in their comeback but couldn’t quite seal the deal. The Mets and Dodgers were set to face off again the following night at Citi Field, offering the Mets a chance to rebound from the tough loss. The game served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball, where rules, weather, and a bit of luck can all play significant roles in determining the outcome.
Conclusion
The game between the Mets and Dodgers highlighted the complexities and quirks of baseball rules. While the rule in question may seem obscure, it played a crucial role in the game’s progression and outcome. For fans and players, understanding these rules is key to appreciating the game fully. The Mets’ loss, despite their efforts, underscored the challenges teams face in navigating not just their opponents, but the rules and conditions of the game itself.
FAQs
- What is the specific MLB rule that applies to runners leaving their bases when a fielder is attempting to catch a ball?
The rule states that a runner can leave the base once the ball initially makes contact with the glove and does not have to wait until the catch is made. - How did the weather affect the game between the Mets and Dodgers?
The game was halted due to rain and eventually went into extra innings, contributing to its status as the longest Mets game of the ghost runner era. - What was the final score of the game?
The Dodgers won 7-5. - What is the ghost runner era in baseball?
The term refers to the period in baseball history when the extra-inning rule, also known as the "ghost runner" rule, is in effect. This rule places a runner on second base at the start of each half-inning after a certain point in the game, typically in extra innings, to facilitate quicker game resolution.
May 23, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) talks to the umpires during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
It seems that every baseball game offers something that you’ve never seen before — or a rule that warrants further explanation.
That play in Friday night’s game between the Mets and Dodgers came in the top of the third inning and one out with two runners on base for the Dodgers.
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts shot a line drive into right-center field, and both Juan Soto and Tyrone Taylor converged on the ball. The ball rattled in and out of Soto’s glove but Taylor, in a full sprint, was able to adjust as the ball popped free and grab it with his bare right hand before it hit the ground.
At nearly the same time, the Dodgers’ Michael Conforto tagged up from second base and Shohei Ohtani did the same from first.
It appeared Conforto left before Taylor had complete control of the ball, but the ruling uncovered a unique technicality. According to MLB rules, a runner can leave the base once the ball initially makes contact with the glove and does not have to wait until the catch is made.
The rule prevented a potential inning-ending double play as Francisco Lindor stepped on second base. It extended the inning, which was stopped for rain with the Mets’ Griffin Canning facing Freddie Freeman with two outs in the top of the third.
The Mets and Dodgers remained scoreless, with the latter threatening with a pair of runners in scoring position.
As for the rest of the game, the Mets lost to the Dodgers in a rain-soaked, extra innings affair despite a valiant ninth-inning comeback in which the Amazin’s rallied from three runs down to tie the game. They had chances to win it in the 10th, 11th and 12th frames after holding the Dodgers scoreless in the top halves, but the slumping offense couldn’t come through.
Finally, the Dodgers broke through the impasse in the top of the 13th with two runs, putting them ahead to stay. They would wind up winning 7-5 in the longest Mets game of the ghost runner era.
The Mets and Dodgers will square off again Saturday night at Citi Field.
