Ventura ejected arguing batter's interference

CHICAGO -- White Sox manager Robin Ventura was ejected for the 11th time in his managerial career when he protested a batter's interference call against Melky Cabrera in the bottom of the fourth inning of Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Pirates at U.S. Cellular Field.

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Cabrera swung through a 3-2 pitch from Jeff Locke with Adam Eaton on first and nobody out, but Eaton managed to beat the throw from catcher Francisco Cervelli for a stolen base. Eaton was ruled out by home-plate umpire Alfonso Marquez, who said that Cabrera crossed over home plate on the swing and interfered with Cervelli's ability to throw the ball to second. 

The play followed along the lines of Rule 7.09(D) that states: Any batter or runner who has just been put out hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner. Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of his teammate.

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Ventura argued the ruling and was quickly tossed. 

"It's interpretation. We feel like, for me, we're always on the wrong side of the interpretation and that's what happens," said Ventura after his team's sixth straight loss. "You get tired of that. We've had it before where Tyler [Flowers] is throwing and they say you have to make contact. I'm just tired of the interpretations."

"I was surprised because it was a changeup. I tried to reach with my swing and just lost the balance," said Cabrera through interpreter and White Sox Spanish language broadcaster Billy Russo. "I think it was a bad call for the home-plate umpire because I didn't try to interfere with the play. But that's the kind of thing that is going to happen for us."

Instead of having a runner on second and one out, the White Sox had the bases empty and two outs. Jose Abreu followed with a single to right, marking the team's first hit, which might have scored Eaton and might have changed the game's direction.

In the end, the White Sox were left to appreciate the support shown by their manager.

"He showed the support for us, especially in that call because it was a really bad call from the umpire," said Cabrera. "His reaction gave us that support. I think it was important for us."