Why didnt Braves challenge potentially pivotal call in World Series Game 6 vs Astros

In the first inning of a potentially deciding Game 6 of the 2021 World Series, Braves manager Brian Snitker made what appeared to be a questionable decision.

His starting pitcher, Max Fried, had just induced a slow grounder by Michael Brantley. Fried went to cover first base after first baseman Freddie Freeman fielded the ball. What happened next caused quite the stir as Brantley stepped on Fried’s ankle, never touched first base and was subsequently called safe.

GAME 6: Scoring updates, highlights from Braves-Astros

As it turned out, Fried didn’t touch the bag, either â€" initially. His glove did and left foot eventually did while Brantley was running into right field. That led many to believe Brantley should have been called out. Snitker didn’t challenge or appeal the call, however, which added to the confusion. Snitker opted to play on instead.

Why isn’t there a challenge he touched the base with his glove. Brantley didn’t touch the base.

â€" Josh Donaldson (@BringerOfRain20) November 3, 2021

The point that many relied upon to argue Brantley should have been called out was that Fried’s glove touched the bag while Brantley never did.

Michael Brantley didn’t touch the base. Max Fried didn’t with his foot, either, but then he fell onto the bag and touched it with his glove. That feels like a clear out.

â€" Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 3, 2021

Michael Brantley didn’t touch the bag. He stepped on Max Fried’s ankle. Not sure how he’s not out there.

â€" Kyle Glaser (@KyleAGlaser) November 3, 2021

MORE: Postseason scores

But Fried’s touch wasn’t sufficient to retire Brantley. According to MLB rules, and in particular the MLB umpires manual, the Braves needed to make an appeal before Brantley returned to first base and stepped on the bag.

About that call in the first inning, fielder’s intent was also part of the equation. From an umpire: “If the runner has passed the base and the fielder inadvertently touches the bases w any part of his body, it should not be called out unless the fielder is obviously appealing.”

â€" Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) November 3, 2021

This, from a former minor league umpire, explains why Atlanta didn’t challenge. Just because Michael Brantley missed the bag and Max Fried tagged it does not mean there’s an out. The fielding team needs to appeal.

Baseball rules sometimes don’t make sense. https://t.co/ZnCv7XKQ8U

â€" Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 3, 2021

A similar play took place earlier this season, though Tuesday night’s incident was far more consequential.

During an August matchup between the Red Sox and Blue Jays in Toronto, Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo missed the bag on a failed Jays double play attempt but then hustled back, realizing what he had done.

Ultimately, Snitker’s decision not to appeal didn’t come back to hurt the Braves, as Fried retired the next three batters, including strikeouts of Carlos Correa and Yuli Gurriel. Atlanta got a three-run home run from Jorge Soler in the third inning and eventually took a 7-0 lead in the seventh inning.

MORE: Fried and other struggling stars who will shape Series outcome

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