The TRIP that outraged Boston: Official's unprecendented ruling costs Red Sox third game of the World Series

By Daily Mail Reporter and Associated Press Reporter

PUBLISHED: 08:57 EST, 27 October 2013 | UPDATED: 10:32 EST, 27 October 2013

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The city of Boston and the Red Sox were left frustrated, confused and angry by an unprecedented and wild finish to the game against the St Louis Cardinals on Saturday night.

In 109 years, no World Series game has ended with an obstruction call. But this one was decided by the controversial ruling against Boston third baseman Will Middlebrooks.

This allowed Cardinals runner Allen Craig to score with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning and lifted St. Louis over Boston 5-4 for a 2-1 edge. Both sets of players and fans were left in shock.

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Wild finish: The St Louis Cardinals beat the Red on a obstruction call for the first time in World Series history for this incident

Trip: The call allowed St Louis runner Allen Craig to score with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning

'I don't know how anyone can say that's how it should end,' Boston starting pitcher Jake Peavy complained.

'Find me one person who says it's OK, other than Cardinal fans. It's not OK. That is a joke. An absolute joke,' Peavy added.

'Tough way to have a game end, particularly of this significance,' Red Sox manager John Farrell said of the Cardinals walk-off victory.

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'I'm in shock right now,' St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina said. So was most everyone at Busch Stadium after the mad-cap play.

After an umpire's call was the crux of Game 1 and a poor Boston throw to third base decided Game 2, the key play on this night combined both elements.

Controversial call: The Red Sox reacted with anger and frustration to the unprecedented event

VIDEO: A controversial World Series victory for St Louis

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Molina singled with one out in the ninth off losing pitcher Brandon Workman.

Craig, just back from a sprained foot, pinch-hit and lined Koji Uehara's first pitch into left field for a double that put runners on second and third.

With the infield in, Jon Jay hit a grounder to diving second baseman Dustin Pedroia.

He made a sensational stab and threw home to catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who tagged out the sliding Molina.

But then Saltalamacchia threw wide of third trying to get Craig. The ball glanced off Middlebrooks' glove and Craig's body, caroming into foul territory down the line.

After the ball got by, Middlebrooks, lying on his stomach, raised both legs and tripped Craig, slowing him down as he tried to take off for home.

Chaos: 'Tough way to have a game end, particularly of this significance,' Red Sox manager John Farrell said of the Cardinals walk-off victory

Vital: Allen Craig kept scrambling. 'He was in my way. I couldn't tell you if he tried to trip me or not. I was just trying to get over him,' he said

'I just know I have to dive for that ball. I'm on the ground. There's nowhere for me to go,' Middlebrooks said. Third base umpire Jim Joyce immediately signaled obstruction.

'With the defensive player on the ground, without intent or intent, it's still obstruction,' Joyce said.

'You'd probably have to ask Middlebrooks that one, if he could have done anything. But that's not in our determination.'

Craig kept scrambling. 'He was in my way. I couldn't tell you if he tried to trip me or not. I was just trying to get over him,' he said.

Left fielder Daniel Nava retrieved the ball and made a strong throw home, where Saltalamacchia tagged a sliding Craig in time.

But plate umpire Dana DeMuth signaled safe and then pointed to third, making clear the obstruction had been called.

Important victory: Cardinals runner Allen Craig (center) scored with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning and lifted St. Louis over Boston 5-4 for a 2-1 edge

'I was excited at first because we nailed the guy at home. I wasn't sure why he was called safe,' Middlebrooks said.

'We're all running to home to see why he was called safe. We didn't think there was any obstruction there, obviously. As I'm getting up, he trips over me. I don't know what else to say.'

Said Cardinals slugger Matt Holliday: 'You hate for it to end on a somewhat controversial play.'

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Gevs, UK, moments ago

World Series? Stupid name

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mac, hi, 10 minutes ago

To the folks in mass. The rest of us follow the rules. You obviously feel you don't have too. Good call. Poor sportsmanship by the red socks

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Jerseygirl, Jersey, United States, 17 minutes ago

The official baseball rule 2.00 does not distinguish between intent, intentional or unintentional, when defining obstruction. Jim Joyce, the umpire, in making the call, clearly knew the rule book and followed it to the letter.

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whatthehell, London, 25 minutes ago

What's the big deal about a game of rounders ?

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WHendricks, Los Angeles, United States, 32 minutes ago

Yep- the 3rd baseman knew what he was doing - obstruction was the right call. Go Cardinals!!!

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One of the Peasants, USA, 50 minutes ago

Athletes are such crybabies.

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Chrissy, Virginia, 1 hour ago

Who picks up their feet like that when pushing up from being flat on the ground? Good call from the umpires. There is very little chance that wasn't an intentional move by the Boston player.