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MLB's Rulebook Resurfaces After Controversial 'Dead Ball' In World Series
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- MLB's Rulebook Resurfaces After Controversial 'Dead Ball' In World Series
Game 6 of the World Series ended in controversial fashion, that's for sure.
During the bottom of the ninth inning, Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Addison Barger hit a ball that got lodged at the bottom the left-center field wall. Fans at Rogers Centre initially thought he just connected on a game-tying inside-the-park home run. However, it was ruled a dead ball since Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Justin Dean couldn't initially retrieve it.
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"I was just screaming at him to get the ball and throw it in because that's the umpire's discretion," Enrique Hernandez said. "The fact that the ball stuck there doesn't mean that they're actually going to call ground-rule double. So I was screaming at him. That's kind of why I've lost my voice a little bit."
Two batters later, Andre Gimenez hit into a game-ending double play. It was a crushing blow for Toronto fans, make no mistake about it.
Oct 31, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Miguel Rojas (72) and shortstop Mookie Betts (50) and first baseman Enrique Hernandez (8) celebrate after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays during game six of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Did the MLB make the right call?
Fans are convinced Dean could've picked up the lodged ball and fired it home, but that doesn't mean the MLB made the wrong call. After all, the rulebook states that how easily a ball is retrieved shouldn't be a factor.
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"Per rule 5.05 (a) (7), a ball is considered lodged if, in the judgment of the umpire, the natural trajectory of the flight of the ball is interrupted long enough to affect further play. A batted ball that sticks in a fence, scoreboard, shrubbery or vines located on the playing field should be considered a lodged ball. Likewise, a ball that goes behind a field tarp or wall padding without leaving the playing field should also be considered to be lodged. Also, a lodged ball occurs anytime the momentum of a rolling ball is stopped abruptly and sticks or is stuck under the fence padding, shrubbery etc. Runners are awarded two bases when it is rules that the ball is lodged," Baseball Rules Academy wrote. "How easily a ball might be retrieved by the fielder should not factor in the decision as to whether or not to declare a ball as lodged."
Game 7 of the World Series will take place this Saturday. First pitch is set for 8 p.m. ET.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Nov 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
