Northeast Baseball League

The game had an off turn of events as the grounds rules at the start of the game were stated as MLB. In what was to be the final inning on account of darkness, Lowell in a 1st and 3rd situation faked a pickoff to 3rd and picked off the runner at First. As understood under MLB rules this would be a balk and the tying run would score. It remains unclear if the leage rules of Federation apply or the ground rules agreed to at the start of the game. Coaches and umps agreed when we could not get clarification to play the game as though MLB rules were applied so that we would have two outcomes. If Federation applied, Lowell would win (runner is picked off). If MLB rules applied the final outcome of the game would be accepted. As it turns out, Lowell scored in its last at bat and it both cases won the game, but it would be best for the league to review the situation and clarify which counts, the league rules or those established at the grounds rules prior to the game.

Date: July 12, 2024     Time: 6:00pm      Venue: Alumni Field - Lowell    Game #: 8