ANAHEIM -- Despite the Angels’ best efforts to overturn Major League Baseball’s ruling via an appeal, first baseman Nolan Schanuel saw his on-base streak to open his career retroactively end at 30 games after a scoring change.
Schanuel entered Friday with his on-base streak at 35 games, but during Friday's contest against the Red Sox, MLB announced that Schanuel’s streak had actually ended at 30 games on March 30, changing his infield single in the ninth inning against the Orioles to a dropped catch error charged to reliever Mike Baumann. If not for the change, Schanuel would've extended his on-base streak to 36 games after reaching base with a walk.
At 30 games, Schanuel's streak is now the third-longest on-base streak to open a career in NL/AL history, behind only Alvin Davis (47) and Truck Hannah (38). Schanuel found out about the decision on Friday, saying on Saturday that the news was tough to hear.
"It's disappointing but it's time to move on," Schanuel said. "I've got bigger goals. Win more games and I'm always focused on the team. It's my No. 1 priority."
Angels manager Ron Washington was frustrated with the scoring change, especially because he thought it was a hit. First baseman Ryan Mountcastle had to dive for Schanuel's grounder, then make an accurate throw to Baumann, who was on the move from the pitching mound.
“I don't think it was right,” Washington said. “What’s most important is winning ballgames, but I would’ve liked to see his streak continue. I don’t know what to say about it other than I thought it was a knock. The first baseman dove for it and the pitcher was on the move. They didn’t connect properly and that’s a base hit.”