Cardinals win on funky rule

Game 3 of the 2013 World Series had it all. Drama, come-backs, and some controversy as St. Louis won in the bottom of the ninth inning to take a 2 games to 1 lead.

With the score tied in the bottom of the ninth inning, St. Louis pinch hitter Alan Craig was on second base and Yadier Molina on third. Batter Jon Jay hit a grounder that Dustin Pedroia made a nice play on to throw out Molina who was trying to score. Jarrod Saltimacchia then threw to third base in an attempt to double up Craig, but the ball skipped into left field. When Craig headed for home, he stumbled over Will Middlebrooks, Boston third baseman. This was ruled as obstruction, and third base umpire Jim Joyce immediately signaled such. The throw home was in time to get Craig, but he was ruled safe by home plate umpire Dana DeMuth because of the obstruction.

In the stands, it took a minute to figure out what happened. The obstruction rule is an obscure one, but is said to have been correctly applied (see here, for example).

This was unfortunate for Boston fans, but well-received by Cardinals' fans.

Above: David Ortiz is probably the most dangerous Red Sox hitter.

Above: Stan Musial's sillhouette stands out against against the evening St. Louis sky.

Above: St. Louis Cardinals' fans love to show off their favorite color -- red.

Above: Another random fan stands next to the Ozzie Smith sculpture.

Photos taken with my Canon 40D (click to enlarge).