Come To Think Of It...Bad Umpiring Stings Rays In Game One

It's a good thing that Chase Utley doesn't know how to bunt.

Because Philadelphia Phillies hitters went 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position and stranded 11 runners, a World Series record.

After flailing on a bunt attempt in the first inning, the Phils second baseman decided instead to hit a two-run homer that gave the Philadelphia Phillies an early lead they never relinquished against the Tampa Bay Rays in their 3-2 game one victory.

Between Utley, Cole Hamels and the second base umpire, the Phils had all they needed to steal the opening game of the Fall Classic.

Yes, that's right, the umpire. Look, umpires are generally better seen and not noticed. But in this case a missed balk call and stolen base may have been the difference.

And that's not the way it should be.

Hamels picked off Carlos Pena in the sixth inning in what clearly looked to be a balk. But no such call.

One of the problems with the balk rule is that it says the pitcher is guilty if he attempts to deceive the runner.

Well, just what else is a pitcher trying to do with a pickoff throw, other than deceive the runner?

Rays manager Joe Maddon knew it was a balk.

"I thought it was clearly a balk, and obviously you can't argue a balk," Maddon said. "You get kicked out arguing a balk. What I did was even inappropriate."

Another missed call occurred in the game when Chase Utley was awarded a stolen base when he appeared to be out.

We shouldn't even know the name of Fieldin Culbreth. Yet he was the umpire making both calls in favor of the Phillies.

This is not meant to take away from the dominating performance of Cole Hamels. Yet you can't help but wonder if...

But no time for that, for there is another game to play tonight. Hopefully with a different umpiring crew, come to think of it...