A controversial interference call during Wednesday night’s game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers led to a major rally for the Phillies, who eventually won 9-4. The call, which overturned an out at third base and allowed the Phillies to score five runs in the sixth inning, was viewed differently depending on which broadcast you were watching.
The incident occurred when Brandon Marsh of the Phillies bunted, and Dodgers third baseman Kiké Hernández threw the ball to shortstop Miguel Rojas at third base. Rojas tagged Alec Bohm before he reached the base, but third base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt ruled Bohm safe, citing interference by Rojas. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts argued the call and was eventually ejected.
The Los Angeles broadcasters on Spectrum SportsNet LA, Joe Davis and Jessica Mendoza, disagreed with the call, arguing that Rojas was in the act of fielding the ball and had no other options. They emphasized that blocking bases has been a point of emphasis for umpires this season, but felt Rojas was unjustly penalized.
On the other hand, the Phillies’ broadcasters on NBC Sports Philadelphia, Tom McCarthy and Rubén Amaro Jr., initially questioned the call but later agreed with the umpire’s interpretation. They noted that Rojas’s foot was in the basepath, which led to the interference ruling.
The call played a crucial role in the game, as the Phillies used the opportunity to score five runs, including a three-run homer by Kyle Schwarber, to secure their victory.
