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Ohtani Scores on Netted Live Ball as Replay Upholds Rare Rule

MLB's universal ground rule keeps balls that rebound off protective netting in play.

Overview

  • Shohei Ohtani circled the bases on Saturday after a liner hit new right‑field netting at Angel Stadium, in a 15-2 Dodgers win where he drove in a season-high five runs.
  • Angels right fielder Jo Adell first signaled the play dead, then threw past the cutoff, which allowed Ohtani to come home without a play.
  • After an Angels challenge, video review confirmed the on‑field ruling and official scoring recorded a triple with a throwing error on Adell.
  • The governing rule says a live ball that strikes protective netting and bounces back onto the field stays live unless it becomes lodged or unplayable.
  • Because the netting down the line sits flush to the wall, umpires treat it like the wall, so a rebound remains in play rather than a ground‑rule double.