Listen, everyone makes mistakes, even umpires.
The problem for umpires, of course, is that their decisions can be easily revisited through hi-speed, hi-definition replays that make them look quite silly upon review.
Like yesterday, for example.
With the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the third inning, Astros Pitcher David Paulino delivered a 1-2 pitch to Indians batter Lonnie Chisenhall. The ball – seemingly a wild pitch – kicks away from catcher Jason Castro and two Indians trot in to score unimpeded … or did something else happen?
Take a look:
According to the Castro and the Astros, the ball actually struck the bat of Chisenhall before kicking away, making it a foul (and thus, dead) ball. Don’t believe them?
Check out the gif for a clearer answer:
In this view, the ball very clearly hits the bat and ricochets foul … unfortunately, that’s not a reviewable play. So, the Indians stole two runs on one of the clearest examples of an umpire’s mistake in recent memory.
The Indians wound up winning by three runs.