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Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarrag was "robbed" of Major League Baseball's third perfect game in less than a month due to a botched call by official Jim Joyce.
"I just cost that kid a perfect game." The first-base umpire said. "I was convinced he beat the throw until the replay. It was the biggest call of my career."
After retiring 26 straight batters, Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga made a play at first base that should have been the final out of the game, but the umpire ruled that the Cleveland Indians baserunner was safe.
Detroit manager Jim Leyland charged out of the dugout to protest a call that was not overturned. Replays revealed that Galarraga had his foot on the bag ahead of the runner, however baseball only uses replays for questionable home runs and not umpire calls.
"He apologized. He feels really bad. Nobody is perfect," said Galarraga of the umpire's call, even offering him a hug. "What am I gonna do? His body language said more than a lot of words. His eyes were watery, he didn't have too say much. His body language said a lot."
The Detroit Tigers are currently listed with long +2500 odds of winning the 2010 World Series with a payout potential of $250 for every $10 bet. They are at +300 odds to win the American League Central Division.
Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com
