2019 MLB figures getting coal from Santa Claus this Christmas

2019 MLB figures getting coal from Santa

Sam Holbrook

Holbrook was assigned to work the World Series, and happened to be behind the plate for Game 6, played in Houston with the Astros holding a 3 games to 2 Series lead.

Behind Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals held a narrow 3-2 advantage at the start of the seventh inning. Yan Gomes opened the inning with a soft line single to right field, bringing up Trea Turner. He managed only a weak roller between the mound and third that Astros pitcher Brad Peacock fielded hastily and heaved in the direction of first base. The ball sailed past first baseman Yuli Gurriel, Gomes advancing to third base and Turner to second.

Or not. Holbrook waved the play dead, apparently ruling the Turner had illegally run out of the running lane, effectively interfering with Peacock’s throw. He called Turner out and sent Gomes back to first base.

Replay showed that Turner had run with the left part of his body in fair territory, but also left plenty of room for doubt whether that had affected Peacock’s throw, which was both off-balance and offline. Nats manager Dave Martinez protested Holbrook’s decision so vehemently that Holbrook ejected him. For five minutes the umpiring crew debated whether the play was reviewable, eventually deciding it wasn’t.

Holbrook’s decision amounted to punishing Turner for Peacock’s poor throw. The only person who saved Holbrook from a stint as Series goat was Anthony Rendon, the game’s next batter, who homered into the Crawford boxes. Washington overcame Holbrook’s poor ruling to win the game 7-2, and one night later won the World Series.