Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Atlanta Braves: Umpire Jerry Meals Ruins 19-Inning Game

Jerry Meals, a Major League Baseball umpire for 14 years, blown a 19th inning call that cost the Pittsburgh Pirates a game in the National League Central.

The Atlanta Braves were arguing calls all night long, but it turned out that the Pirates would have the biggest gripe by the end of the game.

It was a play at the plate in the 19th inning on Wednesday morning between the Braves and the Pirates. Pirates' third basemen Pedro Alvarez fielded a grounder and threw it to Michael McKenry for what appeared to be an out at home. Umpire Jerry Meals called Julio Lugo safe, but clearly he was tagged on his leg.

Obviously, the Pirates had chances throughout the game, but that doesn’t mean that Meals didn’t end the game prematurely. It is horrible that a game that lasted over six hours ended like this. There is no excuse whatsoever.

Meals had an explanation after the game:

“I saw the tag, but he looked like he oléd him and I called him safe for that.  I looked at the replays and it appeared he might have got him on the shin area.  I’m guessing he might have got him, but when I was out there when it happened I didn’t see a tag.

“I just saw the glove sweep up. I didn’t see the glove hit his leg.”

Coaches, players and fans have all chimed in on the horrendous call.

Clint Hurdle: "The game deserved way better than that."

Daniel McCutchen: "Can I say he was out?"

Jeff Karstens: For some reason, somebody didn't want us to play anymore."

Jerry Meals is trending on Twitter.

What a way to end the game, but the Pirates did have opportunities to win the game a few hours before it actually ended.

With one out in the top of the ninth inning, the Pirates attempted a squeeze play with Xavier Paul at the plate. The Atlanta Braves scoped the play out with a pitch-out and Michael McKenry was thrown out back at third base.

It was a move by manager Clint Hurdle that would have been applauded if it worked. The fact is that the gutsy call didn’t.

Hindsight is 20/20, therefore if you would have said, “Wow, that was a great call by Hurdle, I love it,” then you should say the same thing here.

Aggressive baseball has been a major reason why the Pirates have been competitive in 2011. I love it, and will stand-by the decision from Hurdle because he has done it all season long.

If this was the past 18 seasons, maybe this wouldn't matter as much to the Pirates, but they are actually in pennant race. One game could cost them the division.

The Braves currently have the wild card spot, so the Pirates also lost a game on them as well.

Who knows how the Pirates will come back from an ending like this one. They could go either way.