The Braves got off to an inauspicious start in Game 1 of the NLDS, falling behind the Phillies 3–0 as their world-class offense was thrust into neutral.
However, one particularly controversial play sent Atlanta fans into an uproar.
With the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth inning of Game 1, Philadelphia catcher J.T. Realmuto appeared to strike out to end the innings. However, Realmuto was awarded first base on catcher’s interference, forcing in Phillies shortstop Trea Turner to give the Phillies a 3–0 lead.
Braves fans responded to the call by hurling cans onto the Truist Park field, forcing a brief stoppage in play.
Braves fans threw debris on the field in protest of a catcher’s interference call that gave the Phillies another run: https://t.co/1cRYvoMZfP
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 8, 2023
(via @Ria_Martin) pic.twitter.com/3tuG2y0We9
Braves fans throwing stuff on the field here in ATL pic.twitter.com/c4xSqVeGbE
— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) October 8, 2023
Atlanta right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. gamely helped Braves staff collect the cans before the resumption of play.
Atlanta fans are throwing things onto the field in protest of the catcher’s interference call that gave the Phillies another run. Atlanta rightfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. just helped clean up. pic.twitter.com/tIrNr9ir1x
— Stephanie Apstein (@stephapstein) October 8, 2023
The incident mirrored a similar occurrence during the 2012 National League wild card game, when a controversial application of the infield fly rule provoked fan outrage during a 6–3 Cardinals win.
Philadelphia held on to win Saturday’s Game 1 3–0. Game 2 in Atlanta is set for Monday at 6:07 p.m. ET.
