In a dramatic turn of events during Game 3 of the World Series, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow faced Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho with no outs and a 3-1 count in the second inning. An apparent high sinker that seemed destined for ball four was called a strike by home-plate umpire Mark Wegner, leading to a significant shift in the inning’s momentum.
As Varsho assumed the pitch had resulted in a walk, another Blue Jays player, Bo Bichette—who had already reached base with a single—started heading toward second. Glasnow quickly returned the ball to the catcher, then made a surprise throw to first baseman Freddie Freeman, who tagged Bichette for a vital out.
There was evident confusion as Varsho lingered a few feet down the first-base line, unsure of the situation. Analyst John Smoltz, commenting on the Fox broadcast, noted Wegner’s call as “late” and “soft.” Former MLB umpire Dale Scott weighed in, pointing out that umpire communication is crucial in these high-stakes scenarios.
After an eight-pitch at-bat, Varsho finally walked and advanced to third on a single by Alejandro Kirk. However, the potential scoring opportunity fizzled as Addison Barger struck out and Ernie Clement hit a soft line drive that was caught in center field, leaving the Blue Jays unable to capitalize on the momentum.
Instead of taking an early lead, the Blue Jays were scoreless in the second inning, which allowed the Dodgers to establish control with a home run from Teoscar Hernández shortly after. Scott emphasized the importance for players not to assume a pitch’s call, indicating that until the umpire communicates a decision, runners must remain focused.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider expressed his concern regarding Wegner’s delayed call in a post-inning discussion, noting the need for clarity in such critical moments to avoid misunderstandings. Schneider acknowledged Wegner’s experience but advocated for quicker communication, especially in high-pressure environments like the World Series.
This incident illustrates the razor-thin margins that can define the fate of a game, particularly in crucial playoff matchups. As the series progresses, teams will need to remain vigilant and adapt quickly to any unpredictability on the field.