Atlanta Braves players swarm Scott Proctor, center after batting in Julio Lugo to win the baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 19th inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, July 27, 2011, in Atlanta. Atlanta won 4-3. (AP Photo/John Amis)ATLANTA – Julio Lugo scored from third base on a contested play at the plate, giving the Atlanta Braves a 4-3 win in 19 innings over the Pittsburgh Pirates early Wednesday morning.
The game, which ended at 1:50 2 a.m., was the longest in Turner Field history and matched the longest in the major leagues this season. At 6 hours, 39 minutes, it was the longest by time for both teams.
Lugo took on Scott Proctor’s grounder to third baseman Pedro Alvarez, whose throw to catcher Michael McKenry easily beat Lugo to the plate.
Lugo tried to avoid McKenry’s tag with a pop-up slide. Replays indicated McKenry made the tag, but home plate umpire Jerry Meals called Lugo safe.
Pirates manager Clint Hurdle argued the call vigorously, following Meals off the field as the Braves celebrated.