DETROIT, June 2 (UPI) -- A missed umpiring call at first base in the ninth inning Wednesday cost Armando Galarraga a perfect game in the Detroit Tigers' 3-0 victory over Cleveland.
There have already been two perfect games thrown in the major leagues this season, the first time in baseball history that has happened, and Galarraga was one out away from producing a third against the Indians. Cleveland's Jason Donald hit a routine ground ball wide of first base and it appeared certain the grounder would be turned into an out that would make Galarraga the 21st pitcher in major league history to retire all 27 men he faced.
First baseman Miguel Cabrera fielded the ball and threw to Galarraga, who was sprinting to cover the base.
Replays showed Galarraga caught the ball and had a foot firmly planted in the middle of the bag before Donald could get there. Nevertheless, 22-year veteran umpire Jim Joyce signaled Donald safe.
Detroit players were clearly stunned by the call, but Galarraga set about the task of retiring Trevor Crowe on a groundout to end the game. Cabrera, however, constantly yelled at Joyce while Crowe was at the plate and the Detroit fans let their displeasure be known with resounding boos.
Detroit Manager Jim Leyland, having seen the replay, also berated Joyce as the umpire left the field.
Joyce was quick to realize his mistake and came to the Detroit clubhouse to apologize to Galarraga.
"I give a lot of credit to that guy saying, 'hey I need to talk to you because I really want to say I'm sorry," Galarraga said. "You don't see an umpire telling you after the game 'I'm sorry.'"
Joyce was working at second base for the perfect game thrown by Oakland's Dallas Braden May 9 against Tampa Bay. Philadelphia's Roy Halladay threw this season's other perfect game Saturday.
Galarraga (2-1) wound up with his first one-hitter, first complete game and first shutout of his four-year career.
The chance for a perfect game was kept alive starting the ninth inning when center fielder Don Kelly made a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch of a deep fly ball off the bat of Mark Grudzielanek.
Cabrera hit a solo homer in the second, his 15th blast of the season. Fausto Carmona (4-4) went the distance as well for the Indians, giving up three runs on nine hits.
