Josh Naylor hit by throw, called for interference double play

TORONTO – It wouldnâ€t be a Game 7 without drama — and some early controversy.

The top of the first inning Monday at Rogers Centre ended with the Mariners†Jorge Polanco hitting into a unique double play, ruled after Josh Naylor was struck approaching second base by a throw from Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement.

Clement ranged up the middle to field Polancoâ€s grounder and stepped on second base to force out Naylor, who leapt and spun in the baseline. Clementâ€s throw struck Naylor in the back of the helmet, sending the ball skyward.

Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber immediately yelled at Naylor, words to the effect of: “What are you doing?†Polanco momentarily remained at first base, with the six umpires gathering in the infield to discuss as the Rogers Centre crowd booed replays.

Ultimately, the umpires ruled that both Naylor and Polanco were out.

“In their opinion, they thought Naylor was trying to get in the way of the throw, which that’s what happens if you do,†Mariners manager Dan Wilson told Tom Verducci during an in-game interview. “It’s both outs. So that’s the conversation. That’s what he told me.â€

The item in question appears to be Rule 6.01(a)(5), which reads, in part, that the ball is dead if the baserunner who has just been put out “hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner.â€

In that event, the batter-runner “shall be declared out for the interference of his teammate.”

Seattle settled for one run in the top of the first, scored when Naylor drove in Julio Rodríguez with an RBI single to right field.

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