One play. Two players down. And a whole chain of heavy speculations in the aftermath. It all stemmed from a routine game that turned into a brutal collision at home plate that left players and fans alike holding their breath. During the 9th April showdown between two fierce teams, things took an intense turn in the mid-game. It all started when the Pittsburgh Pirates’ catcher Endy Rodriguez, known for his defensive power, got unexpectedly entangled with St. Louis Cardinals’ runner Joey Bart. They were found coming head-to-head in the midplay and collided violently.

Talkin’ Baseball took it to X and shared a glimpse of the collision. Despite the chaos, the Pirates got an out at home. But the play severely ignited outrage over potential interference.

According to MLB rules, a runner can be called out if they intentionally hinder a fielder’s ability to make a play. However, it is important to note that runners are not required to vacate a legal base. Adding to the belief, it was all about the positioning of the Pirates’ first baseman, who was noticed standing unusually far from the bag and near the collision point. That grey area was pointed out by analysts and fans. As a result, it invited strict dissections from them.

Although such positioning is not uncommon during a bunt or a relay from the outfield. But just its mere presence in this case has drawn scrutiny. Yes, the collision was downright brutal, but it has also sent a reminder of how unpredictable the nature of this game is.

Pirates defeated Cardinals with walk-off hit in 13th inning

In an intense game against the St. Louis Cardinals, it took the Pirates the whole 13 innings, one walk-off hit, and a whole lot of chaotic moments to secure the win, but well, they did it. The pressure hit its peak in the bottom of the 13th inning.

With two outs and bases stacked, Joey Bart launched a deep fly ball that simply eluded the reach of Lars Nootbar, the left infielder, in order to let Alexander Canario score easily. Interestingly, it was Bart’s first ever career week off hit. Bart was a part of the brutal collision at home plate during the eighth. That incident made his walk-off more poetic.

The Pirates had to stack their bases when Canario and Bryan Reynolds worked a walk, advancing Kiner-Falefa to third. From the National League Central Division rivals, the Pirates captured two out of three and won. Let’s not forget, they were no-hit for 6 2/3 innings and one-hit for 8 2/3.

Without any shadow of a doubt, this showdown had it all—the home plate collision drama, dominant pitching, walk-off hit, and whatnot. It wasn’t pretty, definitely not easy but it was a roller coaster game. Something that made their win a lot more impressive was how they fought through an almost no-hit game. Until Endy Rodriguez’s single in the seventh, they didn’t even get their first hit. Pirates proved one thing for sure: resilience can turn the tables even in the toughest games.