Perdomo leaves behind the controversy of the Classic and reunites with umpire Cory Blaser

PHOENIX. — Dominican shortstop Geraldo Perdomo starred in a striking moment prior to Opening Day when he met umpire Cory Blaser, remembered for calling the third strike that eliminated the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

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Far from the controversy, Perdomo made it clear that he holds no grudge for that play that generated debate, assuring that referees also make mistakes, like any player. “We are all human. We as players make mistakes and they do too. They are not machines,” expressed the Arizona Diamondbacks player when asked about the reunion. The called strikeout on a 3-2 count against Blaser marked the end of the game between the Dominican Republic and the United States in the World Baseball Classic, a result that meant the elimination of the Dominican team. However, Perdomo assured that the defeat was not due to that particular play, but to other opportunities that the team did not take advantage of during the game. The torpedo boat even showed the good relationship it maintains with the umpire when he approached the plate in his first at-bat of the game and gave him a friendly pat, leaving the episode in the past. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo praised the way Perdomo handled the situation, highlighting his maturity and professionalism by not blaming a single decision for the Dominican team’s elimination. Perdomo reiterated that what happened is part of the game and that he maintains respect for Blaser, whom he described as a good person, thus demonstrating that he has moved on from one of the most commented moments of the last World Baseball Classic.