SAN DIEGO — Xander Bogaerts of the San Diego Padres saw a home run negated because of fan interference, prompting manager Mike Shildt to be ejected for exiting the dugout to speak with the umpires during the second inning of Monday night’s matchup against the San Francisco Giants.
The decision proved crucial as the Padres fell 4-3.
Bogaerts launched a flyball to left field that seemed to deflect off Heliot Ramos’ glove and clear the wall while two spectators, including one wearing a Giants jersey, attempted to catch it. The ball may have grazed one of the fans’ arms, and following an extensive review, the home run ruling was rescinded, deeming Bogaerts out. Shildt was promptly ejected as he left the dugout.
Fans expressed their discontent for the remainder of the inning.
«No contact. It was a crucial run. Huge,» Shildt stated. «I don’t often criticize the league, but the explanation we received from the replay indicated that there was some obstruction that occurred. Clearly, he did not touch the baseball. … If it’s so evident, why does it take 2 minutes and 40 seconds to reach a conclusion? What specifically are you examining? If it’s that clear, make a quick call to overturn it, and if not, it should be a home run.
«It’s just really disheartening to have such a lengthy review and arrive at an inconclusive determination to overturn a home run. It robbed us of a chance to win a baseball game. … I had plenty of time to think, and if anyone can point out an angle showing the fan touching the baseball, I’d like to see it.»
Ramos was not taken aback by the overturned call.
Nestor Cortes hit one of three home runs among the first five batters, giving the Giants a 4-0 advantage.
