When MLB teams are allowed to challenge the umpires’ previously final decision, said umpires will sometimes not be happy. That was the case for team manager Jeff Nelson during a game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Miami Marlins on Saturday.
With the bases loaded and one out in the 10th inning, the Marlins led 5-4 and threatened to tack on a few insurance runs. Then the angels seemed to catch a chance.
Marlins catcher Jacob Stallings hit soft ground that turned into a 1-2-3 double play to end the inning and put the Angels one hit away from the tie in the bottom of the 10th. That is, until the replay showed Angels catcher Matt Thaiss might not have had his foot on home plate to bring out the force.
The Marlins opted to challenge home plate, which had been administered by CB Bucknor. Nelson, as team leader, was tasked with announcing the challenge to the public, but a hot mic also announced his thoughts on the challenge while speaking with Bucknor:
“They have their heads up their ass.”
Awkward.
Even more embarrassing, the MLB replay booth decided the Marlins’ head was firmly not in the ass and ruled Yuli Gurriel safe at home to give the Marlins a 6-4 lead.
This turn of events ended up costing the Angels dearly, as the game ended in an 8-5 victory for the Marlins. Had the Marlins not contested the call, the Angels’ run in the bottom of the 10th would have held the game.