CLEVELAND — An overturned call in the first inning, thanks to a wise challenge from manager A.J. Hinch, changed the outcome of Tuesday's game between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians.
Hinch's knowledge of the rulebook was tested on a crucial play at the plate. Home plate umpire Lance Barksdale determined Javier Báez was tagged out by Guardians catcher Austin Hedges for the third out in the first inning.
What Hinch recognized (and Barksdale missed) on the play at the plate was the home-plate collision rule, which states a catcher must provide a runner with a lane to the plate before receiving the ball.