“It wasn’t the right call, especially coming from a guy like him” - Miguel Rojas reflects on umpire Hunter Wendelstedt's controversial decision
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas had his say on umpire Hunter Wendelstedt's controversial interference call on Wednesday. The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Dodgers 9-4 to clinch the series at Dodger Stadium.
The controversial moment came in the top of the sixth, as Kike Hernandez threw to shortstop Rojas to tag out Alec Bohm at third base. What looked to be smart defensive play was instead called defensive interference.
"Right after the play, I was upset because I knew I didn't do anything wrong," Rojas told SportsNet LA about the controversial call.
"I was just trying to catch the ball and make the play. When you're running towards a target trying to catch a ball and trying to get your feet situated to make a play, you never expect umpires looking to be the hero, and make a call just because we have a rule in place."
Expressing his disappointment in the umpire's interpretation of the rule, Rojas added:
"I thought the rule was for players' safety, and for players not blocking the bag to hurt someone. In that play, with me not making an attempt to block the bag or be in the way of Bohm to get to third base, it was disappointing.
"What's even more disappointing is, when I tried to get an explanation, they started screaming at me that we both jested for the play, we never did that," Rojas continued.
"You expect a guy that's been in the league for a long time to have a feel for the game, what kind of play it is. It wasn't the right call, especially coming from a guy like him."
Finally, talking about the decision having ramifications on the result, Rojas said:
"It's really sad that he changed the whole context of the game for us, especially the way that we're playing right now, trying to win games. It's unfortunate that an umpire can change the narrative of a game and a series."
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts ejected by umpires; Phillies stop the rot
After Hunter Wendelstedt's controversial decision, Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts had an animated chat with the officials. Roberts was then ejected from the game. The Phillies offense added salt to the wound by blowing the game wide open, scoring five runs in the same inning—a blow the home side never recovered from.
The Philadelphia Phillies finally won a series since losing six on the bounce coming into the clash against the Dodgers. Kyle Schwarber hit three home runs in the game.
The Dodgers will continue their homestand over the weekend, hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Phillies, on the other hand, head to Chase Field to take on the red-hot Arizona Diamondbacks.