KissaBoo

And this is the team ahead of us?

Pardon me if this was all over Sportscenter - my non-specific boycott of that program on the grounds that it is just sucky (especially when compared to ESPN's other entities) continues - but what is the deal with a pinch runner being put in for Gabe Kappler when he hurt himself while watching a home run go over the fence? I am not claiming I am an expert on the rules of baseball - when I took the first 20 questions of the MLB Umpire Test I only batted around 70% (damn foul tip rules) - though I'd be amazed if they specifically allowed a pinch runner exemption when someone stunningly hurts themselves while walking around the bases. The way I see it 3 things could have happened and none of them involved putting a pinch runner in with the ball in play.

1. Kapler has to hop on one leg UNASSISTED to home plate with Graffanino behind him. Remember - there are no piggy-back rides in baseball. It would be painful to watch, but the Sox would legitmately get their 2 runs.
2. I'm not 100% sure this is legitimate, but Graffanino can stay at first with Kapler at second so that time out can be called and the pinch runner put in. This is the stupidest answer. I doubt even the Red Sox think they are such a great offensive machine that they would take the gamble of driving in both runs - especially since the game was tied at the time.
3. Now here's an interesting scenario that I am also unclear on the rules about. There was 2 outs before the home run, so if Graffanino were to pass Kapler on the basepath - who would be called out and when. I imagine it would be Tony when he passed the Gabe. However, there is a small chance I might be wrong and it is Gabe after Tony scores.

However, even due to injury, I cannot believe you can put a pinch runner in when the ball is in play. Considering they won by two runs and neither should have scored on this play - I think the only correct thing would be for the end of the game to be replayed from that inning on with men on first and second. Though that will never happen in a million years.