Red Sox manager Alex Cora might’ve had some NFL games to watch on Sunday because his afternoon at Fenway Park ended just in time for the early kickoff.
Heading into the season, MLB made interference calls around the bags a point of emphasis for umpires. Basically, the league wanted to legislate out of the game fielders blocking the bag with their legs. Still, it’s a seldom-called rule, and the selective enforcement understandably doesn’t sit well with most managers.
That’s exactly what happened during the first inning of the Red Sox-Twins game.
With the speedy Byron Buxton on second, Nick Pivetta threw over to the bag for a pick-off attempt. The play wasn’t close with Buxton returning safely. But Vaughn Grissom somewhat impeded Buxton with his leg.
Alex Cora was HEATED after this interference call in the first inning and was ejected pic.twitter.com/5KC43DowsN
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 22, 2024
Second base umpire Dan Merzel didn’t make the interference call, but a conversation with Alan Porter at third base had the crew ruling interference. Buxton was rewarded third base on the play, and Cora went into full tantrum mode.
No manager wants to get ejected in the first inning, but if it’s going to happen, might as well put on a show. Cora certainly did that.
