Every single out is crucial in a winner-take-all game, which is why it was rather peculiar Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona failed to challenge a close play first base in the fourth inning of Tuesday’s decisive Game 5 against the New York Yankees.
Guardians infielder Andres Gimenez hit a chopper to first baseman Anthony Rizzo, prompting a race to see who could get to the bag first.
Rizzo dove while Gimenez slid, with the umpire calling Gimenez out.
But replays showed Gimenez clearly beat Rizzo to the bag yet the Guardians stood pat and did not challenge the call.
Many fans, not just of the Guardians but general baseball fans watching the game, as well as media members were in disbelief Francona did not challenge the call — especially considering he used two challenges in Game 4 on plays that were not as obvious (and lost them both).
Take a look at what they were saying on Twitter:
Of course, not everyone was placing the blame on Francona. Many made it a point that the Guardians likely have someone to tell them whether or not to challenge and the blame should lie on him.
Whoever is responsible for making the decision it will still be Francona who will need to answer for it after the game.
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