You make the call

[inspectorjj]

For the second consecutive game, the Astros got into an argument with the plate umpire. With two outs and Craig Biggio at second in the third inning, Chris Burke hit a grounder to second.

Chase Utley charged and bounced a throw to first across his body for an error. Utley's throw bounced off Ryan Howard's glove and toward the mound, tempting Biggio to rush home. Howard retrieved the ball and threw home, where plate umpire Charlie Reliford ruled catcher Carlos Ruiz tagged out Biggio.

"They told me I was safe in here," Biggio said of teammates who saw replays. "I thought I was safe. I knew where he was. I knew where I slid into where the foot was in the corner of the plate. And I knew where I hit, from the position that he was in, he wasn't going to be strong enough to actually hold it. I thought I was safe."

Biggio appeared to have slid under the tag, and he told Reliford as much. Manager Phil Garner, who was tossed Friday for arguing after Roy Oswalt was called for a balk, rushed out to argue.

Angry third-base coach Doug Mansolino beat Garner to Reliford and had to be restrained by Garner.

[zhollywood]

Nice to see the coaches backing up the players so early in the season. I do believe it fires the guys up.

[inspectorjj]

Very true. It serves as additional motivation.

[Fish Troll]

Yeah it can cause for heated game and bring up tv ratings. We do need to excercise some of this umpire contract option and demote them to AAA.

[astrobrit]

First time around I was 90% sure Biggio beat the tag. Looking at the replays I thought he was robbed. Ah well.

[inspectorjj]

astrobrit said:

First time around I was 90% sure Biggio beat the tag. Looking at the replays I thought he was robbed. Ah well.

Yeah..I was a little ticked about it...then I had another beer!

[beth]

Garner is good about supporting his guys. Got to say that much for him. Bidge was safe. No doubt. Don't anyone tell me that 41 yr old man doesn't hustle.

[inspectorjj]

beth said:

Garner is good about supporting his guys. Got to say that much for him. Bidge was safe. No doubt. Don't anyone tell me that 41 yr old man doesn't hustle.

There are coaches that make better decisions than Garner...but very few who go to bat for their players.

[jerseystrosfan]

beth said:

Garner is good about supporting his guys. Got to say that much for him. Bidge was safe. No doubt. Don't anyone tell me that 41 yr old man doesn't hustle.

Nope you can never say he does not hustle. And he was safe.