Few teams have had a worse 2023 season so far than the Washington Nationals. Their team has struggled on both ends of the ballpark. Both their pitching and batting leave much to be desired. But they recently suffered a wrong umpire call that led to them losing the game. Nationals skipper Dave Martinez raged at the umpiring call that cost his team a possible win.

Many MLB managers have had issues with umpiring this year, with some of them even facing ejection. But this incident will further sour the mood in the Nationals’ camp as they sit bottom of the NL East. 

Washington Nationals skipper Dave Martinez is fed up with umpire errors

With the Nationals sitting at the bottom of the NL East, they need every win they can get. In their most recent game, things came down to the wire as they lost on an umpire’s error. The game was tied 4-4 in the bottom of the 9th inning. It was one out and bases loaded when Jake Meyers grounded the ball to shortstop. The Nationals got the out at home plate before catcher Keibert Ruiz’s throw to first base hit Meyers’ helmet and the Houston Astros scored to win the game.

Washington’s skipper Dave Martinez said that Meyers was off the baseline and interfering with the play. Furthermore, in his post-game interview, he was heated at the umpire’s call. MLB on FOX shared a video of the post-game interview on Instagram. 

During the interview, Martinez said, “There it is, right there. Take a look at it. Is that on the line? I don’t think so. I’m over this play, seriously. They need to fix the rules. This is what the umpires see, that he’s running down the line. Tired of it, tired of it. Fix it. We lost the game and he had nothing to say about it. ‘Cause he can’t make the right call. Brutal, brutal.” 

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This is a devastating loss for the Nationals shortly after a potentially career-ending Stephen Strasburg update. But this is not the first time that Martinez is facing an issue with an obstruction. Last year, a similar incident occurred with them losing the game. 

Martinez lost his mind at an umpire last year as well

Last year, during an extra innings game in June, a similar incident occurred. The Nationals got a player out at the home plate. But obstruction was called against an infielder earlier in the play and the Philadelphia Phillies secured a 2-run lead.

David Martinez vehemently disputed the call, seeking the referee’s intervention. Unfortunately, his protest resulted in ejection from the game. Consequently, the Nationals suffered a disheartening defeat, concluding the contest with an 8-7 loss.

What do you think of Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez criticizing the referee? Share your views in the comments section below.

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