MLB Ejections 077, 078: Hirschbeck (2), Reynolds (3)

1B Umpire John Hirschbeck ejected Rockies pitcher Wilton Lopez and 3B Umpire Jim Reynolds ejected Rockies Pitching Coach Jim Wright for arguing a balk call by 2B Umpire Bob Davidson in the top of the 7th inning of the Nationals-Rockies game. With two out and one on and Nationals batter Steve Lombardozzi at

Davidson calls balk.

the plate, Nationals baserunner R2 Ian Desmond was awarded third base and subsequently home plate on two successive balk calls (the first by HP Umpire James Hoye) on Lopez for violations of OBR Rule 8.01 ("any natural movement associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits [the pitcher] to the pitch without alteration or interruption" [applicable to both Windup and Set Position]). Rule 8.05(a) declares such a motion violation with failure to deliver the pitch a balk. Prior to coming set, "the pitcher shall have one hand on his side; from this position he shall go to his set position as defined in Rule 8.01(b) without interruption and in one continuous motion." Replays indicate that in both instances, Lopez's actions violated Rule 8.01 and were correctly officiated as balks pursuant to Rule 8.05(a), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 3-3. The Nationals ultimately won the contest, 5-4.

This is John Hirschbeck (17)'s second ejection of 2013.
This is Jim Reynolds (77)'s third ejection of 2013.
John Hirschbeck now has 7 points in the UEFL (4 Previous + 2 MLB + 1 Correct Call [Crewmate] = 7).
Jim Reynolds now has 9 points in the UEFL (6 Previous + 2 MLB + 1 Correct Call [Crewmate] = 9).
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck now has 5 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (3 Previous + 2 Correct Call = 5).
*A Post-Inning Exemption has been applied.

These are the 77th and 78th ejections of 2013.
This is the 36th player ejection of 2013. Prior to his ejection, Lopez's line was 1.0 IP, 1 ER.
This is the Rockies 1st/2nd ejection of 2013, T-4th in the NL West (LAD 8; ARI 7; SF 4; COL, SD 2).
This is Wilton Lopez's first career ejection.
This is Jim Wright's first career ejection.
This is John Hirschbeck's first ejection since May 5 (Bryce Harper; QOC = Y).
This is Jim Reynolds' first ejection since April 25 (Curt Young; QOC = U).

Wrap: Washington Nationals vs. Colorado Rockies, 6/13/13
Video: Summary of the two balk calls that led to the ejections and the unsporting behavior following (COL)
Video: Desmond is awarded third base on a balk called by HP Umpire James Hoye (WAS)
Video: Lopez's back-to-back balks results in a tie game, courtesy Balkin' Bob at second base (WAS)