“Mariners trying to cheat their way to World Series” - Fans react as Josh Naylor boldly interrupts inning-ending double play midair

Josh Naylor found himself in the middle of a bizarre incident during Game 7 of the American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. He was struck in the back of his helmet on a throw and ruled out for runner's interference during an inning-ending double play while running the bases.

In the first inning of a game that Toronto rallied to win 4-3, Naylor, Seattle's first baseman, drove in Julio Rodriguez with a one-out single. Jorge Polanco then hit a grounder off a full-count, 89-mph changeup by Shane Bieber.

The ball was fielded by third baseman Ernie Clement, who stepped on the bag to force out Naylor. As Clement threw towards first to get Polanco out, Naylor, running towards second, turned his back and leaped a few feet from the ground as the ball struck his head.

Umpires reviewed the play, and Polanco was ruled out due to runner's interference from Naylor.

Fans didn't take the incident lightly as they gave their reactions on X.

"It’s the right call, mariners are trying to cheat their way to a World Series and it WILL not work," a fan said.

proud ranger fan

@RangerApologist

@MLBONFOX It’s the right call, mariners are trying to cheat their way to a World Series and it WILL not work

"Naylor with a brain fart.. can’t jump into a throw," another fan said.

Out Fox Sports

@MarkHolder27

@MLBONFOX Naylor with a brain fart.. can’t jump into a throw

"If he hadn’t jumped I’d say it’s the wrong call but they made the right call," a fan wrote.

illy Philly

@IllPhils

@MLBONFOX If he hadn’t jumped I’d say it’s the wrong call but they made the right call

"He jumped, had absolutely zero reason to jump other than to intentionally block the throw," a fan noted.

Rick Armstrong 🇨🇦

@Nikarax

@meshconcept @MLBONFOX He jumped, had absolutely zero reason to jump other than to intentionally block the throw.

"These are things that are often not understood, such as cheating to win, unfortunately, greetings to the Houston Astros," a fan joked.

Isra Ceseña

@IsraTJmx

@MLBONFOX These are things that are often not understood, such as cheating to win, unfortunately, greetings to the Houston Astros.

"High school level play by Naylor. Embarrassing," a fan added.

Zero Sugar

@zero_sugar49998

@MLBONFOX High school level play by Naylor. Embarrassing.

Naylor lined out in his next two at-bats and drew a walk in the seventh inning.

George Springer lifts the Blue Jays as they head towards World Series clash with Dodgers

With eight outs remaining, the Blue Jays were salvaged by a three-run home run from one of their stars, George Springer. In the seventh inning, Toronto trailed 3-1. Mariners reliever Bryan Woo had put the first two batters on base. Eduard Bazardo came into the game to close out the inning.

Springer took a 1-0, 96-mph sinker and hit a 381-foot bomb to left center that gave the Blue Jays the lead in front of ecstatic Rogers Centre. The bullpen closed out the game as the Blue Jays reached the World Series for the first time in 32 years.