Full Breakdown
Red Sox run scores after rare “fourth-out” rule triggers 15-minute delay
8/12/2026, 8:02:21 AM
Core Event: Timing play awards Red Sox run in seventh inning
On August 10, 2026, the Boston Red Sox faced the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. With runners on first and third and no outs in the top of the seventh, a line drive by Nick Sogard was fielded by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who forced out the runner at second. The ball then rose for a fly to center. Believing the scoreboard showed two outs, both Anthony Seigler (third) and Sogard (first) left their bases without tagging up. After the catch, the Blue Jays threw to first to double up Sogard for the third out. Because Seigler crossed home plate before that out was recorded, crew chief Chris Guccione called for a “timing play” review. After a 15-minute conference with MLB officials, the umpires ruled the run valid, giving Boston its only run in a 2-1 Blue Jays victory.
Background & Context: Rule 5.09(c)(4) and the scoreboard mix-up
MLB’s Rule 5.09(c)(4) governs “apparent fourth-out” situations. It requires an appeal to be made while the defense is still on the field. In this case, the Blue Jays’ infielders left fair territory after the double play, preventing an appeal on the runner who left third base early. The erroneous display of two outs on the Rogers Centre scoreboard contributed to the baserunners’ mistaken sprint.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Toronto 2, Boston 1.
- Delay: about 15 minutes while umpires reviewed the play.
- Runs: Seigler’s run was the sole Red Sox tally; Rafaela was credited with an RBI sacrifice fly.
- Outs: only one out had been recorded before the fly ball; the third out was the double-play at first.
Official Statements & Responses
Crew chief Chris Guccione said the play was a “time play,” not a force play, and once the defensive team left the field the run could not be negated. Blue Jays manager John Schneider argued the rule required the run to count because the out at first was recorded after Seigler touched home. Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy called the sequence “very weird,” noting the confusion over the outs.
Criticism & Opposition
Schneider maintained the Blue Jays were not given a chance to appeal the third-base runner before the infielders vacated the field, calling the umpire’s “wave off” of the run improper. The umpires ultimately upheld the timing-play ruling.
Why It Matters / Impact
The incident highlighted the obscurity of the “fourth-out” rule and the importance of accurate scoreboard information. It may prompt teams to double-check official displays and keep defensive players on the field when an appeal is possible.
What’s Next
The four-game series continues, with Toronto’s ace Dylan Cease slated to face Boston’s Patrick Sandoval in the next matchup.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What we have here is we have a time play, meaning when the third out was made at first base with the runner not tagging up, the runner that was on third base also did not tag but crossed home plate before the third out was made at first base,” — Chris Guccione, crew chief
- “The rule is the rule. ... So if the run scores from third, no matter what he did tagging up, or not, before the out is recorded at first, the run counts,” — John Schneider, Blue Jays manager
- “It was a weird, very weird situation, where the players on both sides seemed to be confused on the outs,” — Chad Tracy, Red Sox interim manager
