Casey Schmitt defends himself after controversial SF Giants base running decision

The SF Giants fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a heartbreaking 11-inning loss to close out the first half. The Giants had a great chance to win the game in the bottom of the 10th, but a base running decision by Casey Schmitt proved consequential.

Schmitt was on second base with one out and Rafael Devers at the plate. Devers blistered a ball to center field that, off the bat, seemed like it was going to clear Dodgers center fielder James Outman's head.

Yet, the speedy center fielder made a good play to catch the ball and Schmitt, who was halfway between second and third base anticipating the ball to hit the ground so he would be able to score, had to retreat back to second base.

Casey Schmitt takes fan to task for criticism of SF Giants base running decision

Schmitt was in a very tough position on the play. With how hard Devers hit the ball, everyone assumed it was going to be a hit. He had to be in a position to score because he was the winning run, so if he had gone back to tag up and Outman had dropped it or misplayed the ball and Schmitt was unable to score then he would have been criticized for that as well.

A disgruntled fan went after Schmitt for his decision on social media and the infielder was quick to respond and explain what his thought process was. Schmitt wrote: "I try my best not to respond to comments but I feel like I need to educate you. 0 outs tag in the air, 1 out is a read and get halfway so you can score if ball drops been this way forever. Hope that helps you out God bless."

Clearly, Schmitt felt the fan was in the wrong to come after him for his base running decision. It was a really tough spot for him to be in and he handled it the best he could.

The Giants are going to need Schmitt to continue to hit the way he did for the team in the first half. His hot bat kept him in the lineup and he is now the team's starting second baseman. They are going to need more offensive production as a whole in the second half with how cold their offense ran at times in the first half.

Let's hope once the break is over Schmitt locks back in and delivers a great second half.

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