Hidden Ball Trick Backfires: Manny Machado's Attempt Costs Padres a Run in Victory over Red Sox
In a thrilling game against the Boston Red Sox, the San Diego Padres emerged victorious with a walk-off single by Ramón Laureano in the tenth inning, securing a score of 5-4. However, the game was not without an intriguing moment involving Manny Machado and the hidden ball trick.
During the third inning, Machado attempted to pull off the hidden ball trick on Jarren Duran. The play saw Machado feigning a throw to another player while secretly holding onto the ball, aiming to catch Duran off guard. However, the attempt was called a balk as Wandy Peralta, the pitcher, was standing on the rubber without the ball.
According to the rules, the pitcher cannot be standing on or touching the pitching rubber during the hidden ball trick. If a player tags a runner in such a situation, it is not an out but instead results in a balk, and all runners advance one base. This was the case in this instance, with Duran scoring and giving the Red Sox a 2-1 lead.
Despite the unsuccessful hidden ball trick, the Padres managed to turn the tables and secure the win. It's worth noting that Manny Machado's quick thinking and baseball IQ were praised for the play, even though it did not yield the desired outcome due to the balk.
It's also important to mention that the last successful hidden ball trick was performed by Evan Longoria, a former Tampa Bay Rays third baseman, against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 10, 2013.
The Padres, currently three games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West, will look to build on this win and continue their push towards the top of the division.
[1] Wikipedia: Hidden Ball Trick [2] MLB: Balk [3] MLB: Hidden Ball Trick [4] ESPN: Hidden Ball Trick
- The unsuccessful hidden ball trick attempt by Manny Machado in the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox, despite resulting in a balk, showcased his quick thinking and baseball IQ.
- In a 2013 game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Evan Longoria, a former Tampa Bay Rays third baseman, successfully executed a hidden ball trick.
- The rules of baseball, as outlined in MLB's "Balk" rule, state that the pitcher cannot be standing on or touching the pitching rubber during a hidden ball trick.
- The San Diego Padres, after a thrilling game that saw a walk-off single by Ramón Laureano, will aim to continue their push towards the top of the NL West, currently three games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers.
