We’re in mid-June, and Arizona Diamondbacks are the surprise leaders in the National League after Monday’s win against the Phillies. But honestly, it’s wild to think that they could have had themselves a rough loss without MLB’s replay reviews.
Before the D-backs closed out the Phillies, 9-8, it briefly seemed like Kody Clemens had put the Phillies ahead with a two-run home run with two outs in the ninth. The line drive off a sinker from Miguel Castro hugged the line and appeared to drift foul. But first base umpire Jerry Layne saw it differently. He called it a fair ball, and Clemens rounded the bases with a full home run trot.
Kody Clemens and the Phillies broadcast thought he hit the go-ahead home run with two outs in the 9th but replay showed it was very-much foul.
Clemens struck out to end the game on the following pitch pic.twitter.com/6Gk29mg5fp
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 13, 2023
It wasn’t until he reached the dugout that the umpires decided to convene and review the play. That’s when it became clear: The ball was foul.
Honestly, it’s shocking that Layne missed the call. I understand how the broadcast could have been fooled from the press box, but Layne theoretically had a perfect view of the ball and still called it fair.
After the emotional high of an apparent go-ahead home run, Clemens had to settle down and get back in the batter’s box. He struck out swinging on the next pitch to end the game. Just a brutal way to lose.
Still, fans had plenty of thoughts about that strange ending to the game.