It was already the longest game in both Braves and Pirates history. A grueling 19 innings where neither team had been able to manage a run since the 3rd inning, a mere 5 hours before the end of the game. It was a game that was going to be talked about on Sportscenter and in homes around the country no matter what the ending but then something happened that left even the most hardcore Braves fan with a sour taste in their mouth. With Scott Procter, arguably the most unexpected man to hold a bat in his hands on the entire roster, at bat this happened:
Home plate Umpire Jerry Meals had already ejected Braves centerfielder Nate Mclouth and manager Freddy Gonzalez in the bottom of the 9th inning for arguing balls and strikes.
I watched the game in its entirety and Meals seemed to have an inconsistent strike zone all game that had many Braves players frustrated all night but this call to end the game certainly did not endear him to either team. Yes, I will concede that it was a glancing tag at best and catcher Michael McKenry could have done a much better job of making a more forceful tag but with a throw from third basemen Pedro Alvarez that clearly beat Braves shortstop Julio Lugo to the plate, even an unclear tag should have been called.
Anytime a contest goes that long you never want it to end on something as inconsistent as an umpire’s judgement. Interviewed after the game Lugo said “I didn’t feel the tag, he made the right call. I got in there.” This may lead some to believe that Meals may have in fact made a good call but even the umpire himself said “I looked at the replays and it appeared he might have got him on the shin area. I’m guessing he might have got him, but when I was out there when it happened I didn’t see a tag.” Unfortunately for Pirates players and fans alike in a game that lasted almost 7 hours Jerry Meals realized his mistake a few minutes too late.
