Johan Rojas Questions the Umpiring After Giants’ Defeat
Santo Domingo – Giants of Cibao outfielder Johan Rojas has sparked a heated debate after openly criticizing the umpiring crew of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM), following his team’s loss to the Tigres del Licey in a tense game. The controversy arose after the Giants fell 5-4 to the Tigers at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium. Rojas’ annoyance originated from a crucial play in the ninth inning. Mel Rojas Jr. was initially called out at home plate. However, after a review requested by the blue manager, Gilbert Gómez, the decision was reversed to safe due to obstruction by the catcher, which allowed a decisive run for the Tigres.His statements quickly went viral, sparking an intense debate among Dominican baseball fans and experts. Rojas also pointed out another play in the game, in which Michael de la Cruz, catcher for Licey, apparently blocked home plate during a play that ended with a Giants runner called out. Unlike the play by Mel Rojas Jr., this one was not reviewed or considered obstruction. This disparity has raised questions about the consistency of the review system and the interpretation of the obstruction rule. Analysts and followers are calling for greater clarity and uniformity in arbitration, especially at critical moments of the season. The game ended 5-4 in favor of Licey, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the round robin alive. For the Giants, the defeat, along with the controversial umpiring, increases frustration at a crucial moment of the regular season.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
