Toronto Blue Jays defeat Boston Red Sox amid rule controversy

A scoring controversy involving a scoreboard error caused a 15 to 17-minute delay during a Major League Baseball game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. In the seventh inning, the stadium scoreboard incorrectly displayed two outs instead of one. This led Red Sox runners Anthony Seigler and Nick Sogard to advance as if the inning were ending.

After Ceddanne Rafaela hit a fly ball to center field, the Blue Jays recorded an out at first base to complete what appeared to be an inning-ending double play. However, because the play was a “time play” rather than a force play, umpires consulted with the MLB replay center in New York to determine if Seigler had crossed home plate before the third out was made.

Ultimately, officials ruled that Seigler’s run counted because he reached home before the out at first base was recorded and the defense failed to appeal the runner leaving third base early. Despite the awarded run, the Blue Jays maintained a 2-1 lead and won the game, handing the Red Sox their third consecutive loss.