A seventh-inning sequence involving a scoreboard error and a rarely-invoked MLB rule led to a 17-minute delay and a controversial run for the Boston Red Sox in their game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Aug. 10, 2026.
The incident occurred with the Blue Jays leading 2-1 and the Red Sox trailing with runners on base and one out. As a fly ball was hit to center field, Red Sox runners advanced, believing there were two outs due to the main scoreboard at Rogers Centre incorrectly displaying "two outs."
The Blue Jays successfully turned a double play, ending the inning. However, chaos ensued when umpires convened to review the play. According to an obscure MLB rule, because a runner crossed home plate before the final out was recorded at first base, and the Blue Jays did not appeal for a "fourth out" at third base, the run was awarded to the Red Sox.
"We kind of got a break there," said Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider expressed frustration, stating his team was not given an opportunity to appeal the play at third base because the home plate umpire, Charlie Ramos, "waved off the run." Schneider contended that his players were past third base before the umpire's action, and that had the ball been thrown to third instead of first, the outcome would have been different. "The rule is the rule," Schneider conceded.
Crew chief Chris Guccione explained that the umpires felt obligated to correct the initial scoring error based on 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," Guccione stated.
Despite the controversial run, the Red Sox offense struggled afterward, losing their third consecutive game. This marked the first time since June 16-18 that they had lost three games in a row.