During the second inning of the Pirates-Dodgers game this evening, the first base umpire ruled that Derek Lowe was safe on a sacrifice bunt attempt. The play went like so...
Lowe bunted the ball to the third base side of the mound. The ball was fielded by tonight's starter, Jeff Karstens, and thrown to first base where it skipped into and out of the glove of Freddy Sanchez. Sanchez, upon realizing that he dropped the ball, picked it up, roughly 2 steps before Lowe crossed the first base bag. Lowe was ruled safe and an error was given to Karstens.
Due to this lack of an out, the Dodgers were able to score 3 runs and stake themselves out to an early 4-0 lead.
What I fail to grasp is why John Russell did not go out and argue the call at all. His players were left perplexed at the situation and more runs were scored to put the Pirates in a hole early on, something that usually dooms them to failure. This lack of managerial support puzzles me. Even if it accomplishes nothing, you need to defend your men. You cannot allow an umpire to take control of the situation like that. He needs to step out, raise some hell, and give his team the confidence it needs to get through the inning.
If Russell doesn't show confidence in his team and stand up for them as their leader, than who will?
