With none out and one on, Smith stepped to the plate against Cleveland pitcher Chris Seddon...
Pitcher
C. SeddonBatter
S. Smith
| Speed | Pitch | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 90 | Fastball (Four-seam) | Foul |
| 2 | 89 | Fastball (Four-seam) | Ball In Dirt |
| 3 | 81 | Slider | Swinging Strike |
| 4 | 75 | Slider | Swinging Strike |
After pitch #2, Smith attempted to check his swing on a low-and-away slider, with Emmel ruling "no swing" before third base umpire Gary Darling called "swinging strike" on appeal. Nonetheless, Emmel appeared to communicate to Smith the count was two balls, one strike, as opposed to 1-2. After Smith swung and missed the ensuing pitch, Darling whistled to Emmel, alerting him of the strikeout.
When Emmel then informed Smith, "strike three," Smith understandbly responded with an emotional plea: "You just told me it was 2-1!"
Instead of arguing the point, Emmel immediately conceded, claiming responsibility for his crew's error in communication: "I know, I did. I told you it was 2-1," before addressing Melvin:
Listen Bob, he's got a beef. I told him the pitch was 2-1, but they're saying the pitch was strike three ... we've got make what's right, right. I'm admitting to that, I told him it was 2-1 before the pitch. By the books, it was strike three and that's what we've got to go with ... You've got an argument.Whether Emmel's calm approach and demeanor helped end the argument and prevent its escalation or whether it was the lopsided score at the time, 8-2, Oakland, Emmel's proper handling of the situation was what all administrators like to see: Professionalism, accountability, understanding and a firm adherence to rules enforcement.
Nonetheless, Emmel did not fare as well with Indians pitching coach Ruben Niebla in inning 7, whom Emmel ejected for arguing an incorrectly ruled ball during George Kottaras' at bat (Ejection 144).
Wrap: A's-Indians, 8/30/12
Video: Emmel and Darling suffer communciation breakdown, yet Emmel peacefully resolves dispute (UEFL)
