The San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers have had a contentious series through three games, and with Game 4 scheduled for Wednesday night, Padres star Manny Machado faced criticism for a dubious decision on the base paths in Game 3.
The Padres won that game, giving them a 2-1 series lead. With the score tied at 1-0, a ground ball was hit to Freddie Freeman at first base as Machado was on first. As Freeman attempted to throw to second in the hopes of converting a double play, Machado took an unconventional route down the base path, racing near and onto the inner grass to block Freeman’s view.
This manoeuvre proved successful, allowing Machado to finish third while the runner safely advanced to first. It marked the start of the Padres’ six-run outburst, and former MLB legend Chipper Jones had mixed feelings about the play. “Not that I’m upset about it, but isn’t this illegal??
This was the start of a six-run outburst that effectively decided a playoff game. I understand the second base umpire not making a call due to the angle, but that guy in all black standing adjacent to first base had a great view!”
Machado has previously faced his former team in this series. Previously, he was spotted throwing a baseball toward the Dodgers’ dugout, causing Los Angeles to submit a report with MLB saying the incident was intentional.
Despite the debate, the Padres hold a 2-1 series lead. The Dodgers are on their final stretch, and if they don’t win in the next two games, manager Dave Roberts and his club will be sent home early once more, despite having one of the league’s most talented teams.
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