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MLB Replay Report Settles Game 7 Plate Play: Kiner-Falefa Was Out by Feet, Not Inches

A formal replay decision provided to the AP resolves months of debate over the World Series' final play.

Overview

  • MLB's official report says Dodgers catcher Will Smith had his foot on home when the ball entered his mitt, confirming the out.
  • Statcast tracking places Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s center of mass roughly five feet from the plate at the key moment, countering perceptions of an inch-close play.
  • Plate umpire Jordan Baker called the runner out and replay umpire Dan Iassogna upheld the ruling after Toronto challenged.
  • Blue Jays third base coach Carlos Febles marked a conservative lead to guard against a pickoff, and Kiner-Falefa later said a bigger lead could have made him safe.
  • Smith said he never felt his foot come off the plate and later homered in the 11th as Los Angeles secured a second straight championship.