The Atlanta Braves broke a 3-3 tie in the bottom of the 19th inning in a 6 hour and 39 minute game that started Tuesday evening and didn’t end until nearly 2 am Wednesday morning.
The longest game in the history of both franchises ended with a controversial call that will likely be a topic of conversation among Pirates fans for some time, as well as future arguments for expanded use of replay.
Home-plate umpire Jerry Meals called Julio Lugo safe at the plate, although a replay clearly shows Pirates catcher Michael McKenry applying the tag well before Lugo touched the plate.
“I saw the tag, but he looked like he oléd him and I called him safe for that,” he said. “I looked at the replays and it appeared he might have got him on the shin area. I’m guessing he might have got him, but when I was out there when it happened I didn’t see a tag,” said Meals following the game.
“I just saw the glove sweep up. I didn’t see the glove hit his leg.”
Going into tonight’s game, the Braves lead the Pirates in three of four games so far this season and nine of the past thirteen overall.
Watch the controversial game winning call below.