Suzuki ejected for arguing catcher's interference call

ANAHEIM -- Angels manager Kurt Suzuki was ejected from Friday’s 9-3 loss to the Athletics for arguing with third-base umpire Tripp Gibson after Logan O’Hoppe was called for catcher’s interference.

The Angels thought that Henry Bolte had struck out on a sinker from lefty Brent Suter, but home plate umpire Dillon Wilson ruled that Bolte’s bat had hit O’Hoppe’s glove as he checked his swing. The ball was already in O’Hoppe’s glove, but the contact was made with the bat so he was awarded first base.

"I heard strike three, looked to third base to watch Logan throw the ball around and then they were calling time and they said it was catcher interference,” Suzuki said. “I didn't even see a swing. I didn't see anything impeding a swing and I watched the replay. Logan caught the ball and then he tapped the top of his glove after he caught the ball. It is what it is. You can't review it. In my eyes, I didn't really see a swing or any type of intent to swing.”

Suzuki didn’t like the call and argued with the umpires, including Gibson, before being thrown out for the second time this season. He raced back onto the field from the dugout after being tossed, making sure to get in a last word with Gibson.

Bolte eventually came around to score as part of a two-run inning for the A’s after he stole second base. O’Hoppe wasn’t pleased with the call or the inning, as he was charged with an error on the play. Just like Suzuki, he didn’t believe Bolte attempted to swing.

"He called strike three, and he made a move that didn't really even seem like a swing, to be honest,” O’Hoppe said. “It's just a really frustrating error to take and then stealing a base leading to a run. Tonight was one of the more frustrating nights of the year. That's what I make of it. Try to stay out of the way, you check the depth before the game, you make your adjustments, and like I said to you guys a few weeks before, this game takes more than it gives and was a prime example of it.”