DENVER -- An interpretation of the new rule regarding slides into second base -- one that cost his team a run in an eventual 9-8, 12-inning loss to the Pirates -- left Rockies manager Walt Weiss believing "they should just get rid of it."
In question is a slide by Pirates baserunner Josh Harrison in an attempt to break up a double play, with DJ LeMahieu the pivot man. Harrison stubbed his foot before sliding and slid over the bag with his foot above the ground. LeMahieu escaped contact, but he was unable to attempt a double play.
Under rule 6:01(j), if the runner does not make a "bona fide slide" and makes contact or attempts to make contact with a fielder, he can be called for interference. On a double play attempt, the umpires can rule both the runner and the batter-runner out.
Under the explanation from MLB replay officials, it was ruled that Harrison did not make a bona fide slide because he couldn't stay in contact with the bag. However, interference was not called because it was determined Harrison did not hinder and impede LeMahieu.
There was no contact, and LeMahieu never made a throw. The Pirates scored a run on the play.
Weiss believes that interpretation was inconsistent with other plays.
"If that wasn't an illegal slide, just get rid of the rule," Weiss said. "There's no sense in having it. Everything that we saw in Spring Training, all the examples we looked at, it was [a] blatant violation of the rule. I don't know how you look at it, in slow motion, several times, then declare that was not an illegal slide.
"I read the explanation, and the explanation makes no sense. If it's going to be multiple interpretations of the rule, just get rid of it."
Worth noting
• Despite the loss, the Rockies were so productive offensively that they had three players fall one hit short of a cycle -- Ryan Raburn lacked a home run, while Nolan Arenado and Mark Reynolds each were a triple shy.
It was the second time in club history they've had three players fall one hit shy of the feat. On July 10, 1998, Ellis Burks, Vinny Castilla and Neifi Perez each were a hit shy. On 29 other instances, the club had two players fall a hit short. Just three times did such a game occur on the road.
Coors Field is the place for a cycle. The Rockies have been involved in 14 of them -- seven by their players, seven by opponents.