Atlanta Braves Dispute Infield Fly Rule Call By Sam Holbrook In 6-3 Loss To Cardinals (VIDEO

ATLANTA -- Just like last year, the Braves lost out on a spot in the NL division series to the St. Louis Cardinals. Only this time, Atlanta was knocked out with the help of what will be remembered as one of the most disputed infield fly calls in baseball history. Trailing by three runs, the Braves would have had the bases loaded with one out in the eighth inning. Instead they had runners on second and third with two outs, didn't score again and lost 6-3 Friday night in baseball's first, one-and-done, wild-card playoff game. Just like that, the focus shifted from Chipper Jones' impending retirement and the end of Kris Medlen's winning streak to a call that led to a 19-minute delay caused by enraged fans throwing debris and a protest by Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez. Andrelton Simmons' fly ball into shallow left field fell between shortstop Pete Kozma and left fielder Matt Holliday, sparking the furor. Just before the ball dropped, left field umpire Sam Holbrook raised his arm to signal an infield fly, meaning Simmons was out. The call was later than is usual on an infield fly, a rule designed to prevent fielders from deliberately letting balls fall in attempts for a double play. This ball landed at least 50 feet beyond the infield. Gonzalez ran onto the field and argued the call with Holbrook and other members of the umpire crew.