Plays at plate go both ways in seesaw seventh

Fowler called safe for Cubs' first run, while Bryant is called out after reviews

July 30th, 2016

CHICAGO -- was called out, then safe. was called safe, then out. The Cubs got a run, then lost one after replay reviews of plays at the plate in Saturday's 4-1 loss to the Mariners.
Seattle's threw six no-hit innings and then walked Fowler to open what turned out to be a wild Chicago seventh. Bryant singled to center for the first hit off the lefty. Both advanced on 's sacrifice, and then hit a chopper to shortstop , who threw home in an attempt to cut down Fowler.
Home-plate umpire Lance Barrett called Fowler out but the Cubs challenged the call, and after a review, it was overturned and Fowler was safe. Bryant then tried to add another run by stealing home on Miley's pickoff throw to first, and he was initially called safe. But after Mariners challenge and a review, the call was overturned and Bryant was out.
"I have my own little bias," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "On the first one, I thought Dexter had not been tagged and on the second one, I didn't understand how that could be overturned. Whatever the call was on the field, I thought it would remain that way."

Bryant got the sign from the bench to try to steal. He thought he made a good slide.
"Looking back on it, I could've slid head-first, but that's one way to get hurt," Bryant said. "I thought I had my foot in there. That would've been cool, because that's a play we don't ever get to do. We practice in Spring Training and it looked like it was working. It would've been cool to be safe. Good play all around."
Usually, the pitcher is more focused on the baserunner at first, especially since Miley is a lefty and could watch Baez.
"I knew [catcher ] tagged me," Bryant said. "As I was sliding, I thought my leg was straight enough to touch home plate. It looked like I missed it and then got it after my foot passed by."
"Bryant's foot came up right before the plate and with Fowler, just being able to reach his hand in is how close some of those plays are," Zunino said.
Seattle manager Scott Servais said the calls could've gone either way.
"I actually thought on the first one, Zunino tagged [Fowler]," Servais said. "I thought he was out. But that's why we have review, to go over those things. But it is frustrating when you're sitting there, knowing the game is in the balance."
If Bryant had scored, the Cubs would've had a 2-0 lead. Instead, they lost, 4-1.
"It's kind of frustrating, because I thought it could've changed the whole outcome," Bryant said.