The Milwaukee Brewers lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night by a score of 7-1. This marked LA’s 10th consecutive victory and it was overall a frustrating night for the Brew Crew. Anything that could have gone against Milwaukee seemingly did that includes two catcher interference calls.
William Contreras was the catcher behind the dish for the Brewers in this game. In the first inning J.D. Martinez reached base via a catcher interference. An inning later, again with Martinez up to bat, a second catcher interference was called but this time a run scored as a result.
Following the game Brewers catcher William Contreras commented on the calls.
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras takes responsibility for multiple catcher interference calls against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
On the Bally Sports Wisconsin broadcast a great discussion was had regarding the two catcher interference calls that did include some ambiguity around the situation. For instance catchers interference is rare enough as it is, so it raises some eyebrows when it happens twice in the same game with the same batter up to the plate.
A few things that were highlighted regarding this is the fact that J.D. Martinez stands with his back foot on the outer portion of the batters box in which the lines at Dodgers stadium are painted very thin. Major League Baseballs rules state that the legal position is both feet within the box. His foot may be touching the outer portion line, but does that count as within the box?
J.D Martinez has reached base twice tonight via catchers interference calls against William Contreras.
His back foot looks like it is positioned outside of the batters box pic.twitter.com/xaykzaPlpV
— Tyler Koerth (@TylerKoerth) August 17, 2023
After the game William Contreras did not make excuses. Rather he took responsibility for not making the proper adjustments.
“It happened once, I need to make an adjustment after the first one. You have to look where the hitter is set up.”
Game three of the Brewers and Dodgers series is tonight with the first pitch slated for 9:10 PM CT and catchers interference along with J.D. Martinez’s batting stance will be one story line to watch.