BOSTON (AP) - Red Sox third base coach Brian Butterfield was ejected by first base umpire Toby Basner for slamming his helmet to the ground after a challenge on an out at the plate in the seventh inning of Boston’s game against Tampa Bay on Thursday afternoon.
Dustin Pedroia was thrown out on a relay from shortstop Yunel Escobar, attempting to score from first on David Ortiz’s double high off the left-field wall.
After a 1 minute, 52 second delay, it was announced the call “stands,” meaning the replays were inconclusive.
Pedroia appeared as if he may have beaten catcher Jose Molina’s sweeping tag with a feet-first slide. It was unclear if he touched the plate with his slide before the tag.
Basner, rotating as the umpires moved on the play, made the call at the plate.
When the call stood - Butterfield slammed his helmet to the ground and was tossed immediately.
Pedroia would have been the tying run. The Rays lead 2-1 in the first game of a day-night doubleheader.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.