In a highly contentious ending to Thursday night's game, the Baltimore Orioles secured an 8-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox, marred by a controversial runner interference call that resulted in a game-ending play. The umpire's decision, which was deemed necessary by the crew chief, is now being questioned by Major League Baseball (MLB) officials.

The pivotal moment occurred in the bottom of the ninth inning, with two White Sox players on base and one out. Andrew Benintendi popped up, and despite the infield fly rule being called, shortstop Gunnar Henderson managed to catch the ball, seemingly securing the second out. However, third-base umpire Junior Valentine then ruled that Andrew Vaughn had interfered with Henderson during the play.

Crew chief Adrian Johnson defended the call, explaining that if a baserunner hinders a fielder's attempt to make a play on a batted ball, interference is deemed regardless of intent. "When you see the interference, you call it," Johnson stated. Rule 6.01(a) also supports this interpretation, stating that a runner hindering a fielder in such a scenario, intentional or not, results in an out.

Yet, according to an ESPN report by Jesse Rogers, MLB reached out to the White Sox after the game to inform them that umpires actually have discretion on such plays, and interference did not necessarily have to be called. This revelation surprised Andrew Vaughn, who was ruled out on the play, as he claimed that Henderson's play was not deterred and that the high popup allowed all runners to read and react accordingly.

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol expressed vehement disagreement with the umpires at the conclusion of the game, further fueling the controversy surrounding the final sequence. The call not only ended the White Sox's late rally, during which they scored four runs in the ninth inning, but also left them questioning the consistency and application of the rule.

The MLB's intervention and their acknowledgment that umpires have discretion on such interference calls raises questions about the interpretations and consistency of the rulebook. This disputed ending will likely spark discussion and debate among baseball fans and analysts alike, fueling the ongoing conversation surrounding the role of officiating in the game.

As both teams reflect on the contentious conclusion of the game, it remains to be seen if any further action will be taken regarding the controversial call. The Baltimore Orioles, despite the controversy, came out victorious, while the Chicago White Sox find themselves questioning the decision that ultimately halted their late-game comeback.

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