Game 5 of World Series Postponed to Wednesday, Oct. 30. Series Remains Awash in Questions, Controversy

As he took his place behind the microphone, Selig clutched a baseball rule book in his left hand, a finger marking the page where Rule 4.12-6 resided -- suspended games. And in his own distinct Selig-ian way, he eventually explained that under no circumstances would a team win a World Series championship on his watch because of a rain-abbreviated (but perfectly allowable) game result. "I would not have allowed a World Series to end that way," Selig said.

Reporter: "Would you want to win a World Series based on a rain rule?" Utley: "No, absolutely not."

Major League Baseball once again embarrassed itself on the national stage tonight.  I was at the game, so I can't speak to what was going on with the interviews of baseball figureheads.  What I can tell you is this:  by the middle of the fifth inning, the conditions had deteriorated to the point that the field was unplayable, the ball was not grippable, and the fans were being abused.  And yet the game played on, and the Rays tied the game in the top of the sixth.

Whoever made the decisions clearly wanted the game to be called without the Phillies in the lead.  And even if it wasn't a conscious decision, it sure seemed that way to the 45,000 fans at Citizens Bank Park.  Why were we left to drown in 40 degree weather when our team was up at the end of regulation play?  Why was our ace forced to take the mound again when no human being could possibly control what happened with the ball?  Why wasn't the game called when it was clear that the weather was only getting worse?  No doubt 45,000 fans thought it was to make sure that there was no possible argument that the World Series should go to the Phillies since they were leading after regulation.  By tomorrow morning, the rage in those fans and the rest of the Phillies Nation will be enormous.  Bud Selig better not show his face in any public place in Philadelphia in the near future.

Frankly, this is a black eye for baseball, and especially for Selig, who has once again proved incompetent as leader of this organization. The game should’ve been stopped before the sixth. Throw out the rulebook. This is the World Series. And it’s ridiculous — absolutely freakin’ ridiculous that this whole charade took place so late.

Forget homerism. The rain created a harsh atmosphere way before the sixth. And now the Phils have a tie game, have little momentum, and complete uncertainty as to when the game will be resumed. Some fans will be shut out of the possible clincher. Hamels may not pitch again this season. And now a huge risk is run — the Phils suddenly find themselves needing to win, and soon, because Tampa awaits. Now it’s confusion ruling the roost, handled horribly by the idiot upstairs. I’m sorry Bud Selig, but you struck out this time.

According to Nevada gaming rules -- often referred to as "house rules" -- the final score of an official game is determined by reverting to the last completed inning. The Phillies led 2-1 after the fifth.

Las Vegas sports books are paying off Game 5 side bets on Philadelphia, which was about a minus-170 favorite. Wagers on totals and run-line bets are being refunded because rules stipulate that at least 81/2 innings must be played.

"We're just following the regular baseball rules. This is a very common rule," Las Vegas Hilton sports book director Jay Kornegay said. "We can't make exceptions.

"There was no special disclaimer for World Series games, or any playoff games for that matter, that your bet would continue if the game was suspended. It's one of those unfortunate misunderstood rules of baseball betting."

Kornegay expects some bettors to be confused about the rules, but he said there should be no controversy.

"There will be some upset people," he said. "It's unfortunate because it could be one of the worst bad beats you can get if the Rays come back and beat the Phillies. But it's not a bad beat yet."