The post-season battle between two arch-rivals came to a dramatic and unexpected end last night. As Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the NLDS against San Francisco Giants by 2-1, the umpire’s controversial call enraged fans who watched helpless, in disbelief.
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The Giants vs Dodgers is one of the greatest and oldest rivalries in MLB history. However, 2021 was the first time in centuries, the two rivals faced each other in the post-season. Hence, fans expected an enticing battle between the two and so was, in fact, delivered, but with an infamous cameo from the umpire.
Fans react to umpire’s controversial call
In the five-game NLDS battle, fans expected everything but what happened. In the last match of the series, the umpire made a bizarre decision, which led to an unexpected end of the Giants’ 2021 season.
San Francisco Giants had dominated their way to the NLDS. Notably, they were having one of the best seasons in their history. On Thursday, the NLDS battle reached a ‘do or die situation’ as the series was leveled at 2-2. However, the day and series ended for the Giants in the 9th inning.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 14, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants first baseman Wilmer Flores (41) tries to check his swing against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning during game five of the 2021 NLDS at Oracle Park. First base umpire Gabe Morales (47) ruled Flores swung for strike three to end the game. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
First baseman Wilmer Flores was at the plate, and Dodgers Scherzer threw a pitch outside the zone at him. While Flores was just checking his swing, unexpectedly, the umpire called him out for a strike.
Furious fans took to Twitter to react to the heartbreaking season-ending for Giants.
I’m sorry but you can’t end the incredible NLDS between the Dodgers & the Giants with an absolutely horrible call by the 1st base umpire 🤦♂️ #LADvsSF #Postseason pic.twitter.com/pVH6NvOozc
— Robbie Thornton (@RobbieThornton) October 15, 2021
Someone who shouldn’t be sleeping well tonight – The umpire who ended the Giants season with an obvious horrendous call. Not right.#sanfranciscogiants #MLB
— DOC (@Bluestar1227) October 15, 2021
Has to be the first time in the history of baseball ⚾️ that the first base umpire called strike three to end the game in a deciding game in a series. Bad call. Can't call that. #Dodgers #dodgersvsgiants #giants pic.twitter.com/LU62yrpTzL
— Ryan Foran (@RyanPForan) October 15, 2021
Absolute embarrassing call! Can’t end a game on a check swing that was not even close! Good thing for MLB that half the country way asleep, much like the ump!
— Don La Greca (@DonLagreca) October 15, 2021
I paused the video where Flores’ check-swing ended and here it is.
The “swing” that ended the Giants season. No disrespect to the umpire making this call, but he 100% did not swing, and you know it. pic.twitter.com/Zw86OamGFF
— sam (@saam_brownn) October 15, 2021
What a horrible call to end the game for the Giants vs. the Dodgers. How the heck did the 1B umpire say Flores swung on that last pitch?! He didn't swing. Not even close. His bat never reached the plate. Why bother having video review if you can’t correct a sh*tty call like that? pic.twitter.com/lehyJW57Zh
— Raul Dominguez Jr. (@Abrjsdad) October 15, 2021
When you can even tell from the centerfield camera that he didn’t go. I can’t believe that umpire made it off the field without the entire Giants team going after him. #NLDS pic.twitter.com/9kfJgDLSw0
— John Lund (@lundinbridge) October 15, 2021
A look back at Los Angeles Dodgers vs San Francisco Giants 2021
Giants and Dodgers rivalry goes way back in time. But when the two stepped on the same field last night, the rally had to be long and intense. The NLDS stretched to five games, as Giants had entered with 107 wins, while Dodgers had 106 wins.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 14, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts (50) reacts after hitting a single as first base coach Clayton McCullough (86) and San Francisco Giants first baseman Wilmer Flores (41) look on during the sixth inning in game five of the 2021 NLDS at Oracle Park. At right is first base umpire Gabe Morales (47). Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
In Game 5, both the teams were at 2-2. However, Dodgers successfully eliminated their biggest rivals, courtesy of the controversial call by the umpire. Do you think the umpire’s call was unfair?
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