Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga was robbed of a historic third perfect game victory of this Major League season on Wednesday by umpire Jim Joyce’s botched call.
Joyce errantly ruled that Galarraga had not grabbed the ball and tagged first base with his right foot for a game-ending out before Cleveland hitter Jason Donald reached the bag in what eventually was a 3-0 Detroit triumph.
Television video replay clearly showed the 28-year-old Venezuelan made the play for the final out to complete his perfect game and Joyce later admitted he made the wrong call, but the decision was not subject to video review.
“I just cost that kid a perfect game,” Joyce said. “I thought he beat the throw. I was convinced he beat the throw, until I saw the replay.”
Philadelphia’s Roy Halladay tossed only the 20th perfect game in Major League history last Saturday in a 1-0 victory at Florida, just 20 days after Oakland’s Dallas Braden had a perfect 4-0 win over Tampa Bay.
Never in modern history had two perfect games been pitched in the same season.
“It was the biggest call of my career,” a regretful Joyce said.
Galarraga, a right-hander who struck out three batters, was on the verge of retiring his 27th consecutive batter with two outs in the ninth inning when Donald came to bat.
After eight-and-two-third innings of pitching perfection, not allowing a runner to reach base, Galarraga appeared set for the landmark feat when Donald grounded the ball between first and second base.
Detroit first baseman Miguel Cabrera fielded the ball and threw it back toward countryman Galarraga, who had moved into position at first base to make the catch for the game-ending final out.
Galarraga made the grab and stepped on first base with his right foot as Donald was running to the bag, but Joyce waved his arms sideways, signaling that Donald was safe.
Wednesday’s other results:
• Rays 7, Blue Jays 3
• Red Sox 6, Athletics 4
• Mariners 2, Twins 1, 10 innings
• Rangers 9, White Sox 5
• Angels 7, Royals 2
• Yankees 9, Orioles 1
Wednesday’s results:
• Cardinals 4, Reds 1
• Braves 2, Phillies 1
• Padres 5, Mets 1, 11 innings
• Giants 4, Rockies 1
• Dodgers 1, D’backs 0, 14 innings
• Brewers 7, Marlins 4
• Astros 5, Nationals 1
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