The Brewers and Nationals got the Fourth of July slate of MLB games started with an 11:05 EST game on Monday. Not only was the start time unusual, but what happened during the top of the first inning.
Brewers leadoff man Jonathan Villar popped out to Ryan Zimmerman. Then, Scooter Gennett struck out. Following that came a single by Ryan Braun. The problem was, it was Jonathan Lucroy’s turn to bat, not Braun’s, according to the umpire’s lineup card.
Dusty Baker out for a chat with the umps after Braun's single. Checking the lineup card?
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) July 4, 2016
After singling with two outs in the first inning, Braun called out. Brewers' lineup card apparently had Lucroy 3rd, Braun 4th.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) July 4, 2016
Ryan Braun will bat again leading off the second inning.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) July 4, 2016
Lucroy was officially credited with an at-bat and out in the first inning. In his at-bat in the top of the second inning, Braun grounded out to third base.
For what it’s worth, Braun has hit third in all 66 starts he’s made this season prior to Monday. And, the lineup cards distributed in the press box listed Braun third, not fourth.
For what it's worth, lineup cards distributed in press box had Braun 3rd, Lucroy 4th. Apparently what was given to umps was opposite.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) July 4, 2016
A strange start to the day at Nationals Park, indeed.
