Disputed foul tip that put Rangers behind in opener not reviewable. Heim makes up for miscue
Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim was going down to block a low pitch when he heard the ball tip off the bat and saw it change directions
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim was going down to block a low pitch when he heard the ball tip off the bat and saw it change directions.
Home plate umpire Chad Fairchild didn't hear or see the same thing in the ninth inning of the season opener for the World Series champions, and the Chicago Cubs took the lead on that disputed play before Texas rallied to win 4-3 on Heim's game-ending RBI single in the 10th inning Thursday night.
As the ball rolled behind the plate, Heim held his glove back expecting to get another ball from the umpire before realizing it hadn't been called foul. The All-Star and Gold Glove-winning catcher initially pleaded his case with the umpire and when he finally retrieved the ball, and pitcher José Leclerc was late trying to cover the plate, Michael Busch had scored from second base for a 3-2 Cubs lead.
“I think I’ll get in trouble if I tell you what I said out there, but I went to block it, heard it hit the bat, changed directions. Clearly it's loud. A loud environment, fans are rocking. So (Fairchild) didn't hear it," said Heim, who took responsibility for allowing the run. “Just got to finish the play."
