Papi throws tantrum after two called strikes

For at least one night, the Yankees got back into the win column with a 3-2 victory over the Red Sox (box score). New York went into the game with an 8-17 record on the season.

The Red Sox made it very interesting in the ninth inning against Andrew Miller. They loaded the bases with one out, bringing David Ortiz to the plate with a chance to be the hero, a role he knows well.

Miller fell behind in the count 3-1 to Ortiz, which is bad news. He had to throw a strike. Miller threw this pitch 3-1:

That pitch was outside, at least based on the way Brian McCann caught it. He was actually crossed up — McCann was expecting a fastball and got a slider — and caught it funny, which makes it look worse than it is. As the strike zone graphic shows, the pitch caught the corner.

Ortiz, obviously, was not pleased. He gave umpire Ron Kulpa the business, as did manager John Farrell. Kupla ejected Farrell following the pitch but not Ortiz, who continued the at-bat.

In the 3-2 count, Miller threw Ortiz another slider, and Kupla punched out Big Papi on a called strike three. Here’s the pitch:

Another borderline call at best. Ortiz again argued and got in Kulpa’s face. Farrell, who had already been ejected, came out of the dugout again, which will probably result in a fine. You’re not allowed to be in the dugout or come out on the field after getting tossed.

David Ortiz was ejected after two borderline calls went against him Friday night. (USATSI)

What does PitchFX think about those two calls? Here is the strike zone for the at-bats. Pitches 5 and 6 are the pitches in question (via Brooks Baseball):

McCann getting crossed up made pitch No. 5 look like it was way outside. The 3-2 pitch was down below the zone. Perhaps Kupla was getting back at Ortiz after his tirade following the previous pitch? It has been known to happen.

Ortiz, meanwhile, told reporters he “can understand one time, but not two. Both those pitches were bad.” The calls definitely went Miller’s way. No doubt about it.

Miller followed the Ortiz strikeout with a strikeout of Hanley Ramirez to end the game.

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