USA Today via Reuters
Oct 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Home plate umpire Laz Diaz reacts to Boston Red Sox manger Alex Cora during the third inning of game four of the 2021 ALCS against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Home plate umpire Laz Diaz reacts to Boston Red Sox manger Alex Cora during the third inning of game four of the 2021 ALCS against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
The atmosphere in Fenway Park was heated on Tuesday night, as Boston Red Sox clashed with the Houston Astros for game four of ALCS. For the past two matches, Red Sox were dominating with two wins. But the umpire’s one decision changed game four.
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In a shocking turn of the events, Houston Astros clinched the game by a huge margin of 9-2. Fans blamed umpire Laz Diaz and his poor umpiring for the loss.
Fans troll Laz Diaz’s umpiring
The Red Sox had entered game four, with a decent lead of 2-1 in the American League Championship Series. Playing on their home ground, Red Sox was hoping to strengthen their domination. However, in the bottom of third innings, the worst post-season strike call by Laz Diaz lead to Sox’s star player J. D. Martinez leaving the field.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez (7) and third base coach Carlos Febles (52) separate manger Alex Cora from home plate umpire Laz Diaz during the third inning of game four of the 2021 ALCS against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Astros pitcher Cristian Javier threw a pitch at Martinez. While Martinez’s bat was not even close to the strike zone, Laz Diaz, called Martinez for a strike. This decision led to a lot of criticism, as it hampered Red Sox’s outing.
Ummm Laz Diaz…You alright back there? pic.twitter.com/KqTocu8TgX
— Just Baseball (@JustBBMedia) October 20, 2021
Shockingly, according to stats, Laz Diaz missed 21-ball strikes during the Boston Red Sox vs Houston Astros match. Fans instantly took the matter to Twitter, to criticize Laz for his poor decisions.
All my homies can’t stand Laz Diaz. pic.twitter.com/uiz7JyqMH7
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) October 20, 2021
Laz Diaz missed that pitch so bad (7). Alex Cora tried his damndest to get run. pic.twitter.com/yx4MgKNhTU
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) October 20, 2021
Laz Diaz is one of the worst umps in baseball why is he calling the @RedSox during the #ALCS pic.twitter.com/mfXsYR92sC
— Ryan LeShane (@Rleshane84) October 20, 2021
These are supposed to be the ‘best’ umpires! Once again tonight, they have trouble with the strike zone! Laz Diaz, this is NOT a strike, nor is it even close! pic.twitter.com/aUwZMsHJH8
— Steven D. Joel (@SDJ1111) October 20, 2021
Laz Diaz driving home tonight pic.twitter.com/tDofNgxZoU
— Santi (@_ParkTheBus) October 20, 2021
Home Plate Umpire Laz Diaz pic.twitter.com/S4TOpFb092
— Jonathan Young (@Jonathan_Young_) October 20, 2021
Laz Diaz deciding if a pitch is a strike or a ball tonight #HOUvsBOS pic.twitter.com/8AYwq0GhUD
— Tim (@disco_tim) October 20, 2021
What are you going as for Halloween? Me? I’ll be going as Laz Díaz. Here’s the costume!! pic.twitter.com/rDcIhweUwV
— Andrew Postler (@AndrewPostler) October 20, 2021
Laz Diaz behind the plate in Game 3 of the ALCS pic.twitter.com/QW0s0fhNwZ
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) October 20, 2021
While Boston Red Sox fans were disappointed, even Astros fans acknowledged the umpire’s bad judgments.
Laz Diaz should never ump in the post season again. I'm an Astros fan, but this whole game has been a problem. pic.twitter.com/8uUOg6fHsH
— Rated R Sports (@ratedrsportspod) October 20, 2021
Laz Diaz really just handed that game over….. pic.twitter.com/wyGFLZGy7B
— Alex Joseph Farias (@alex_f72) October 20, 2021
Red Sox batters when they step in the box and see Laz Diaz as the ump pic.twitter.com/HRn6W3QZaE
— Jordan Stebbins (@JordanStebbins_) October 20, 2021
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Boston Red Sox manager lost his temper
It wasn’t just the fans who were mad at the umpire, as even Red Sox manager Alex Cora stormed to the field with anger. He lost his temper and nearly threw his hands on the umpire; however, he was stopped by the third base coach.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez (7) separates manger Alex Cora from home plate umpire Laz Diaz during the third inning of game four of the 2021 ALCS against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The Houston Astros now have successfully equaled the series by 2-2. Astros and Red Sox would now clash in game five of the ALCS. With the series coming closer to an end, who do you think amongst the top AL teams would pave their way to the World Series?
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Also read: WATCH: Furious Boston Red Sox Manager Nearly Throws Hands at Umpire for Controversial Call
