VIDEO: Umpire Auditor Twitter Account Reveals Astros Got a Ton of Help in World Series Game 3
By Evan Wolff
It appears that the Astros had an extra player on the field for Game 3 on Friday night. Umpire Auditor, a Twitter account that analyzes the home plate umpire's performance, took a look at Gary Cederstrom's zone and accuracy. What they found was a bias in which the zone seemed to be favoring the Astros. If you're a Nationals fan, you might want to look away.
#WorldSeries2019 Game 3 Umpire Report
— Umpire Auditor (@UmpireAuditor) October 26, 2019
Name: Gary Cederstrom
Correct Call Rate: 91.5%
Calls helping #Nationals: 3
Calls helping #Astros: 11
Largest miss: 1.67 inches
Sorry @Nationals, but a four game sweep isn't good for @MLB's bottom line. pic.twitter.com/BI7BhAGzbV
Listen, umpires probably get harsher criticism over their body of work than they probably deserve. However, any advantages that a home plate umpire provides will be amplified in the playoffs, especially during the World Series.
It's not just 11 mistakes, but the fact they came at such crucial junctures - Brantley RBI single in 5th, Zimmerman strikeout with 2 on in 5th and Turner non-walk turned to out leading off the ninth. Can't beat a team with a tenth man being the plate.
— Biff Gaut (@therealbiffgaut) October 26, 2019
When these inconsistencies arise, they change the entire complexion of the game. That just can't happen in such high-pressure situations in which the hitters and pitchers, are depending on every call being correct. Considering the firepower the Astros have, they don't need more help.
Yes, sometimes the constant criticism of MLB umpires is unwarranted and becomes excessive. However, with support for robotic assistance growing in popularity, statistical proof that the umpires have calls favoring one team is not going to squash it any time soon.