Phillies look to clear up close call at plate

PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies on Sunday were looking for an explanation from Major League Baseball why a play at the plate Saturday in a 6-5 loss to the Reds did not violate home plate collision rule 7.13.

The Phillies thought Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco blocked the plate before he caught the ball and tagged out Marlon Byrd. They thought it was similar to a play at Citizens Bank Park on April 13, when umpires ruled Phillies center fielder Tony Gwynn Jr. out at the plate, despite the fact Marlins catcher Jeff Mathis had blocked the plate.

Joe Torre, Major League Baseball's executive vice president of baseball operations, called the Phillies later to tell them a mistake had been made.

An MLB spokesperson said Saturday the play was confirmed because the replay officials in New York felt that there was a sufficient lane for the runner to reach the plate.