NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball says it got the replay call right in ruling that the Miami Marlins catcher blocked the plate, but it took too long.
The disputed play happened Thursday night in the Cincinnati Reds’ 3-1 victory over Miami. The score was 1-1 in the top of the eighth.
Initially, the plate umpire called Cincinnati’s Zack Cozart out. The 6-minute, 10-second review using the instant replay system over-ruled the call and extended the inning. Ryan Ludwick delivered a two-run single to help the Reds win.
MLB said the catcher “did not provide a lane to the runner and hindered his path to the plate without possession of the ball.”
The statement added that the “exorbitant length” of the review was more than three times the season average and “must be avoided in the future.”
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