The Nationals admitted they are confused regarding Major League Baseball’s slide rule. But their general manager and president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo felt no confusion about the umps Thursday at Citi Field. And he let them know it, igniting a nasty hallway scene.
After the Nationals lost 9-7 to the Mets in a game that contained the umps calling a double play against Washington on the enforcement of the slide rule in the ninth inning, Rizzo told crew chief Jim Joyce, “You blew it,” as he walked to the umpires’ room.
Joyce yelled back and a shouting match ensued.