BOSTON—In the top of the eighth inning of Tuesday night’s game, Gunnar Henderson led off with a grounder to first baseman Willson Contreras, who tossed to pitcher Tyler Samaniego who raced to the bag. First base umpire Ryan Blakney called Henderson out, and Orioles manager Craig Albernaz challenged the call.
After a lengthy replay review, the call stood.
Albernaz, like many others watching, was convinced Henderson was safe.
“There wasn’t enough evidence to overturn the call,” was the explanation Albernaz received.
“It’s tough in the moment, but it is a tough job to do in New York,” Albernaz said. “That group of umpires that are in there, they’re watching every other game going on.
“In the moment, it looked like he was safe, and then when we went to look at it with [advance scouting manager] Nate Halm, he’s doing a great job for us in replay and break it down, the angle he showed, it looked like it could have been overturned.”
After the out call, Adley Rutschman walked, Pete Alonso singled, and Samuel Basallo’s ball hit Alonso, who was ruled out. The Orioles didn’t score, but could have added on had Henderson been called safe. The Orioles still won 4-2.
“It was more frustrating the way that inning unfolded,” Albernaz said. “If Gunnar was on, the next two guys got on, so it would have been bases loaded, nobody out, and who knows if we could lengthen the lead a little bit more.
“It’s always frustrating when it comes back ‘stands.’
Umpires can overturn a call, confirm it, or if they don’t believe there’s enough evidence to overturn, they’ll allow the call to stand.
“Leading off the inning, he busted his butt down the line to beat it out,” Albernaz said. “It’s a hit for him, but more importantly, it’s a leadoff runner that’s on and the way Gunnar can run the bases, it’s a real weapon to have especially to start the inning.”
Albernaz wants Oriole All-Stars
All-Star Game voting began on Wednesday, and Albernaz wants to see multiple Orioles in Philadelphia on July 14th.
“It’s extremely important,” he said. “I’m very biased. I’m fortunate enough to work with these guys every single day and see their work ethic. To have a lot of guys going to the All-Star Game, the baseball world and the league acknowledged the work they put in and how they’re playing the game. The more guys we can get, that would be awesome.”
What’s going on in the minors? Christian Encarnacion-Strand homered twice and drove in four runs as Triple-A Norfolk lost to Gwinnett 6-4. Trey Gibson allowed two runs on four hits in 6 1/3 innings. …Reliever Keagan Gillies is beginning a minor league rehab with High-A Frederick.
Orioles-Red Sox lineups
Orioles
Taylor Ward-LF
Gunnar Henderson-SS
Adley Rutschman-C
Pete Alonso-1B
Coby Mayo-3B
Samuel Basallo-DH
Tyler O’Neill-RF
Jackson Holliday-2B
Blaze Alexander-CF
Chris Bassitt-RHP
Red Sox
Jarren Duran-LF
Ceddanne Rafaela-CF
Wilyer Abreu-RF
Willson Contreras-1B
Masataka Yoshida-DH
Mickey Gasper-C
Isiah Kiner-Falefa-2B
Marcelo Mayer-SS
Caleb Durbin-3B
Payton Tolle-LHP
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