Craig Counsell calls out MLB ineptitude over late-inning blown call in Cubs-Orioles finale

Look. The Chicago Cubs failed to secure a series sweep over the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday afternoon because they went 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position and the bullpen imploded, allowing two runs in the bottom of the eighth, erasing a slim lead and a chance to stack another win heading into the final series of the first half.

But with the Cubs trailing 3-2 in the top of the ninth, it appeared Nico Hoerner successfully stole second base - at least that's the case Craig Counsell made in his postgame comments, calling out the fact that Orioles infielder Gunnar Henderson's foot was blocking the base - but MLB did not review that when he called for a challenge, instead focusing on whether or not Hoerner was tagged after coming off the base to avoid the cleat planted in front of it.

"There is a clear blocking the bag there. It's very clear. The reason why Nico came off the bag is because the player is blocking the bag and he has to adjust his slide ... they don't even look at the blocking of the bag when that's what caused the player to come off, it's kind of illogical ... he came off the bag because Henderson had his foot right in the sliding lane."

MLB has the technology, but needs to adapt review rules to improve the game

Had Hoerner been called safe, the Cubs would have had the tying run at second and nobody out in a one-run ballgame. Instead, the top of the ninth came and went without Chicago scoring a run and the team heads to Cincinnati with a series win, in what felt like a clear opportunity to come away with a series sweep.

Hopefully, amidst what figures to be a turbulent and eventful offseason with a looming CBA expiration and likely lockout, Major League Baseball can take a good, long look at review rules involving interference on the basepaths - because this feels like one that cost the Cubs a real shot at a win.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow