Bud Black ejected after controversial call at home plate vs. Cardinals

Down 4-2 to the Cardinals in the ninth inning with the bases loaded, Padres pinch hitter Jake Goebbert singled to right field to bring home one run. Alexi Amarista, representing the tying run, was called out at the plate by umpire Bob Davidson, and the play was upheld after review even though replays appeared to show catcher A.J. Pierzynski never actually tagged Amarista.

Padres manager Bud Black was automatically ejected for arguing after replay, which confirmed the second out of the inning. Will Venable walked to reload the bases, but Tommy Medica struck out to end the game.

While a blow to San Diego, the call helped preserve a much-needed win for the Cardinals, who moved past the Pirates into second place in the National League Central. They are keeping pace two games behind the Brewers, who also won on Thursday.