Johan Rojas Questions the Umpiring in the Game between Gigantes and Licey
Santo Domingo – Giants of Cibao outfielder Johan Rojas has sparked a heated debate after expressing his dissatisfaction with the umpiring crew of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM), following his team’s 5-4 loss to the Tigres del Licey. The controversy arose after a game marked by tension at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium. Rojas, through his social media, questioned key umpiring decisions that, according to him, harmed his team. The player reacted to a play in the ninth inning where Mel Rojas Jr. was initially called out at the plate. However, after a review requested by the Licey manager, Gilbert Gómez, the decision was changed to safe due to obstruction by the catcher, which allowed a crucial run for the Tigres.Rojas also pointed out another play in which Licey’s catcher, Michael de la Cruz, apparently blocked home plate, but it was not reviewed or considered obstruction. The disparity between both decisions has raised questions about the consistency of the review system and the interpretation of the obstruction rule. Licey defended the revised decision, arguing that the regulations are clear in establishing that any block without possessing the ball constitutes obstruction. The defeat, combined with the refereeing controversy, increases frustration at a crucial moment of the regular season for the Giants.In the Lidom, what they have is a mess with those umpires, go see the two plays, one of them and one of us. If the Lidom doesn’t do something about the umpires and the umpires who review the plays, Licey will always be winning in everything because these umpires put everything in favor of Licey. Whoever is going to play against Licey has to beat Licey, the four umpires, and the two more umpires who are in review.
Johan Rojas
