Boston third baseman Will Middlebrooks was called for obstruction when he lifted his legs, causing Allen Craig to trip as he was attempting to score from third on a wild throw, giving the Cardinals a wild 5-4 win over the Boston Red Sox on Saturday night and a 2-1 World Series lead.
With the infield in and runners on second and third with one out, Jon Jay hit a grounder to diving second baseman Dustin Pedroia. He threw home to catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who tagged out a sliding Yadier Molina. Saltalamacchia threw down to third trying to get Craig out and the ball glanced into left field. With Middlebrooks on his stomach on the field, he raised both legs and tripped Craig.
Third base umpire Jim Joyce immediately signaled obstruction, and even though Craig was tagged by Saltalamacchia at the plate following the throw by left fielder Daniel Nava, home plate umpire Dana DeMuth signaled safe and then pointed to third, making clear the obstruction had been called.
It’s worth another look, courtesy of Fox Sports and MLB.com