TJ Friedl had no time for unwritten rules during Wednesday’s game.
The Cincinnati Reds outfielder pulled a controversial stunt against the Cleveland Guardians, who were working on a combined bid for a perfect game. After Andrew Walter, the opener for their “bullpen game,” got the first five outs in order, Cleveland had three other pitchers come in and send all of the Reds batters down in order as well. Thus, they had a perfect game going through six innings.
But upon Tim Herrin entering the game in the seventh inning, Friedl decided to lay down a bunt. The bunt died on the infield grass, and Herrin was unable to throw Friedl out in time. As a result, the perfect game (along with the no-hitter) was over just like that.
