Rays – Pirates: Umpire Angel Hernandez made another horrendous call

Sections

Advertisement

Umpire Angel Hernandez made a horrendous call on a throw to first during Rays-Pirates

While baseball has had a bit of a larger microscope on terrible calls from umpires lately, one person might stand tall above the rest.

That man is long-time umpire Angel Hernandez. He’s a person many MLB fans know by name, which obviously isn’t a good thing for an official rules keeper. During the Rays and Pirates’ (+1.5) matchup on Saturday afternoon,  Hernandez’s inexplicable decision-making showed up in the worst possible way once again.

Let’s take it to the bottom of the third inning, where Tampa Bay’s Brett Phillips hit a routine grounder up to second. While hustling down the first-base line, Phillips was thrown out with little issue.

But, for some reason, according to Hernandez, he was safe:

Uh, am I missing something? Because that throw and catch beat Phillips to the bag by several feet. Truly: what are we even doing here, Mr. Hernandez?

Fortunately for the Pirates — who challenged the play — an instant replay confirmed that Phillips didn’t make it safely to first, and the call was reversed. Pittsburgh would go on to lose 6-5.

Under normal circumstances, you’d accept the human element and understand that people miss calls sometimes. But this is an extended pattern for Hernandez over the years. He alone might make an excellent argument for a transition to robot umpires.

While the Pirates, fortunately, weren’t hurt by it, MLB fans were astounded by Hernandez’s latest blunder.

Here's how MLB fans reacted to Hernandez's terrible throw-to-first call

Here's how MLB fans reacted to Hernandez's terrible throw-to-first call

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

More BetFTW