Replay Controversy Helps Detroit Tigers To Big Win Over Kansas City Royals

Sep 20, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Joe Nathan (36) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Detroit won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Tigers squeaked past the Kansas City Royals 3-2 after some replay controversy and ninth inning nail-biting courtesy of Joe Nathan. The Tigers closer turned in his typical rollercoaster effort by allowing a couple of hits that eventually had the tieing run on third base.  But in classic 2014 Joe Nathan fashion, he eventually got the job done by inducing a ground ball to Miguel Cabrera to end the game and send a packed Kauffman Stadium home disappointed.

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Cy Young Performance

Max Scherzer reminded everyone watching why he won the 2013 Cy Young award. Mad Max allowed just one run over seven innings while striking six including a gutsy seventh inning when he held the lead after allowing a lead-off walk.  Scherzer, who has struggled as of late, seems to snapping back into from under the pressure of a playoff run.

Better Lucky Than Good

The Detroit Tigers caught a big break in the bottom of the sixth inning when Eugenio Suarez mishandled a weak throw to second base by Ian Kinsler.  The error allowed Salvador Perez to score and tie the game.

While watching the play the Detroit Tigers dugout noticed that Perez didn’t tag the bag before scoring. Max Scherzer threw to third base for appeal that was denied. Brad Ausmus asked for an instant replay review of the play.  After spending a little time on the headset with New York the umpires conferred again and reversed the call.

Audio of the game revealed that the replay officials in New York said that the play was not reviewable.  The crew chief Larry Vanover called the umpire together for a second conference resulting in a reversal of the call.  On replay Perez clearly did not tag the base so the umpires eventually got the call right but how they arrived at the conclusion will be debated for months.

The controversy erased the run (and the Suarez error) ending the inning and preserving the Detroit Tigers lead.

Drivers Seat

The win gives the Tigers a 2 1/2 game lead in the American league Central and will have a chance to bury the Royals with a series sweep on Sunday.  The Tigers will send Rick Porcello to the mound to face Jeremy Guthrie in the series finale.  First pitch 2:10 from Kauffamn Stadium