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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Andrew Joseph

Mookie Betts was understandably in disbelief when a blown call ended the Dodgers’ rally

Mookie Betts Dodgers MLB

Major League umpires are almost never perfect. But when the game is on the line, you never want to see a missed call.

That’s what made Saturday’s 6-5 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals so disappointing for the Dodgers.

After going down three runs in the eighth inning, the Dodgers chipped away at the lead to have Mookie Betts at the plate with two outs in the ninth and a runner on second down a run. Betts worked the count full against Giovanny Gallegos. And with Freddie Freeman on deck, the Dodgers had to like the possible lefty-righty matchup to tie or take the lead.

Now, hitters are often told to swing if it’s close, but Betts was right to take a 3-2 pitch off the plate. The problem: Paul Emmel saw it differently.

The pitch was a few inches off the plate, but the excellent frame from Willson Contreras — who is now allowed to play catcher again — made the difference.

Still, you’d expect Emmel to make the correct call there, especially since Emmel was having a solid night. Betts and the Dodgers dugout couldn’t believe *that* was how the game ended.

Fans had plenty of thoughts on the call too.

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This was how Twitter reacted

Even the best games from umpires can have costly missed calls. MLB has to know this is a problem.

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