Mark Canha defended himself on Twitter Sunday night over a slide into second base that sparked a controversy.
Canha’s Oakland A’s beat the Seattle Mariners 7-1 to sweep the three-game series between the teams. Canha led off the top of the 7th with a walk and then was forced out at second on a fielder’s choice by Jurickson Profar. Mariners shortstop JP Crawford was unable to try for the double play due to Canha’s slide, which the team felt was outside the basepath.
Looking at the replays of that play at second … Mariners weren't happy Canha was running on the grass and not the baseline. And then felt he didn't slide to the base. pic.twitter.com/Vqcv40JJ0b
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) May 26, 2019
Seattle manager Scott Servais even came out to argue and challenged the call. MLB determined there was no interference, and Servais was ejected.
Understanding that Seattle was not happy about the matter, Canha went on Twitter to defend his slide.
With regards to the slide at second today…1) I established my running lane immediately once the ball was hit. In other words I was on the cut of the grass for at least the last 60 feet and didn’t avert my direction in order to make contact with Crawford…
— Mark Canha (@outtadapakmark) May 27, 2019
2) I did not extend my leg to try and make contact with Crawford, in fact i tucked it before making contact in an attempt to avoid hurting him 3) I slid early and did not pop up, and ended up stopped on inside part of the base with both hands touching the base…
— Mark Canha (@outtadapakmark) May 27, 2019
…A perfectly clean, legal, smart, and dare I say savvy execution of how to go into second base.
— Mark Canha (@outtadapakmark) May 27, 2019
He calls it a clean and legal slide. Part of the rule allows for contact between baserunners and fielders so long as the baserunner fits the criteria for what they call a “bona fide slide” attempt. Canha and MLB both agree his slide fit the criteria, contrary to what the Mariners thought.
