Umpire admits mistake after reviewing play

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Umpire Tim Welke admitted Sunday he probably missed a call at first base that cost the Colorado Rockies the tying run in a loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates the day before.
Welke, the crew chief, called Colorado's Jay Payton out at first base to complete a game-ending double play in Pittsburgh's 1-0 victory Saturday. There were runners at first and third and one out when Payton came to the plate.
Replays appeared to show Payton beat the throw from second baseman Abraham Nunez. Welke said Payton probably was safe.
"Now I looked at the replays, and I know the replays aren't very good, but I don't get a second chance at it. It was a tough night sleeping last night," said Welke, a major league umpire for 21 years.
"Sure, I would have liked another whack at it. It was a close play, and I understand the situation. But every day you turn a new page. You have to."
The Rockies were livid Saturday, arguing that Payton was clearly safe. Colorado general manager Dan O'Dowd said Sunday he filed a complaint with Major League Baseball.
"You hear people say that umpires don't care -- that was living proof," Rockies star Larry Walker said. "[Country singer] Ronnie Milsap could have made that call, and he's blind."
Welke, who was behind the plate Sunday, objected to Walker's comments.
"I totally disagree with that," Welke said. "Games are full of close plays and close pitches. As umpires, we get one shot at it, and you have to call it the way you see it. At the time, I thought absolutely it was the correct call. There was no doubt in my mind."