CAFARO FIELD Odd call helps lead Muckdogs past M.V.

Batavia tied the game in the ninth, then went ahead in the 10th.
By BILL SULLIVAN
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
NILES -- One of those little understood rules in baseball became a major part of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers' 4-2 loss at Cafaro Field Friday.
The Batavia Muckdogs hit their second solo homer in the ninth inning to tie the game at 2, and then scored twice on an unusual play in the 10th inning of the New York-Penn League game.
Batavia (18-24) loaded the bases in the 10th inning on a hit batter, a sacrifice bunt which wasn't fielded and rolled for a hit, and a walk.
With one out, Bryan Hansen, who was 0-for-4, hit a roller past Scrappers shortstop Luis Cotto who was playing in, and at second baseman Jesus Colmenter.
The ball hit the runner from first and bounced into left field, allowing two runners to score.
Normally a base runner is ruled out when he's hit by a batted ball and is in fair territory.
Bando's view
Acting Scrappers manager Chris Bando believed the runner should be called out and asked for an explanation from the base umpire.
Bando was told, "It didn't interfere with the second baseman trying to field the ball. Once it passes an infielder that has an opportunity to field it, it becomes a judgment call."
The plate umpire was asked by Bando for his view of the play, and he agreed no interference should be called and let the runs stand.
"In their judgment, our second baseman would not have made the play," Bando said.
"I thought he interfered from our second baseman attempting to make the play," Bando said.
Spoiled good bid
The bizarre ending spoiled an otherwise fine pitching performance and a dramatic home run.
Starting pitcher Joe Weaver and relievers Matt Davis and Dan Rich allowed just one run and four hits in the first eight innings.
"Our pitching was outstanding," Bando said.
"In the first eight innings they were lights out. They made their pitches. It was a good crisp game."
Batavia homered in the third inning and their starter retired the first 10 batters he faced.
Conroy Connects
Then the Scrappers (19-25) tied the game at 1 in the fourth inning when Mike Conroy hit a 360-foot homer to right, his third of the year.
"It felt good, I was in a little slump," Conroy said. "Maybe that's what I needed to get out of it.
"It was hit pretty well."
The Scrappers, who were limited to just three hits, went up 2-1 in the fifth when Josh Noviskey doubled in Clint Chauncey who had walked.
Sullivan@vindy.com