The Miami Marlins won a wild game in 10 innings on Saturday night in Anaheim, but you won’t see Jeff Nelson’s umpiring crew rushing to revisit that game anytime soon.
With the score tied in the 10th inning, Garrett Cooper gave Miami the lead when his fly ball to left was somehow dropped on an awkward basket-catch attempt by Mickey Moniak. The Angels intentionally walked Jon Berti the next at-bat to set up a potential double play, and the strategy seemed to work when Jacob Stallings presumably grounded into a 1-2-3 double play.
The Marlins, though, were certain that Angels catcher Matt Thaiss never touched home plate, so they challenged the call. That was when the whole stadium heard Nelson’s thoughts on the challenge. (Warning: Some strong language)
Incredible umpire hot mic moment pic.twitter.com/BpdIlhG8F0
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) May 28, 2023
Nelson left his microphone on to apparently mock the Marlins’ challenge. But the best part was that the Marlins were right: Thaiss never touched the plate. Home plate umpire C.B. Bucknor — who was staring right at the play — just straight-up missed the call.
The Angels thought they had an inning-ending double play but instead they give up another run because Matt Thaiss wasn't touching home plate pic.twitter.com/ZJDeR4sYUp
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 28, 2023
Yuli Gurriel scored as a result of the overturn, and the Marlins went on to win, 8-5.
Fans also had jokes about the hot-mic moment for Nelson.
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