When is a strikeout not a strikeout?

And while Baek didn't get the win after winding up with four hits and a single run in 6 1/3 innings, he set the table for an interesting series of events that included a pair of critical seventh-inning strikeouts with runners on second and third by rising rookie reliever Brandon Morrow, followed by Bloomquist's bizarre at-bat in the bottom of that inning.

With two out and two runners in scoring position, Bloomquist fouled a pitch back on a 3-2 count that appeared to be caught for the third out by catcher John Buck. But the ball lodged in Buck's chest protector. Home plate umpire Chris Guccione conferred with his crew and ruled that Bloomquist wasn't out, based on the 6.05(b) language.

The rule, which Bloomquist admitted he'd never heard of before that moment, states that a batter is not out if the ball sticks in the catcher's clothing or gear on a third-strike foul tip, unless it first touches the catcher's glove or hand. Since the ball went straight into Buck's chest, Bloomquist was given another chance.

He then delivered a bloop double to short center that eluded a diving David DeJesus and scored Jose Guillen and Yuniesky Betancourt with what stood up as the winning runs.

Another reason the home plate umpire needs to keep his eye on the ball.