Cardinals Win Game Three On Walkoff... Obstruction?

The Cardinals took a 2-1 lead in the World Series on a walkoff without ever touching home as Allen Craig was ruled safe at the plate on an obstruction call in the bottom of the ninth at Busch Stadium.

Umpire Jim Joyce argued Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks obstructed Craig as the St. Louis runner tried to score when a throw from catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia went into left field. Saltalamacchia was attempting to double up Craig after Dustin Pedroia came home to throw Yadier Molina out at the plate, but when Middlebrooks stumbled trying to retrieve the errant throw, it caught up Craig in his attempt to run home.

It's one of the wildest plays we've seen in baseball this season and in any World Series game. Red Sox fans will complain about it for decades, assuredly, but it appears the umpires made the right call. Middlebrooks not only got into Craig's way, but he lifted his legs up to ensure he'd slow the runner down. [Fox]

Update: Many Red Sox fans are claiming Joyce "didn't even see the obstruction." He did indeed see the full moment of obstruction (though I have no idea why Oquendo is suddenly fleeing the scene of the crime):