Galarraga Denied Perfect Game

Replay Overturns Call on Final Out

Joyce Apologizes, Umpire Admits Mistake

In a cruel twist of fate, Armando Galarraga was denied a perfect game in the bottom of the ninth inning on Thursday night. With two outs and Jason Donald at the plate, Joyce ruled Donald safe at first base on a close play. However, a replay clearly showed that Donald was out, and Galarraga's perfect game was wiped away.

Joyce immediately apologized to Galarraga, and the umpire later admitted that he made a mistake. "I blew it," Joyce said. "I take full responsibility." The Tigers still won the game 3-0, but Galarraga was understandably disappointed.

"I'm just trying to do my job," Galarraga said. "I don't want to be remembered for this. I want to be remembered for pitching well and helping my team win."

Despite the disappointment, Galarraga is still considered one of the best pitchers in baseball. He is a two-time All-Star and has a career ERA of 3.42. He is also a member of the Venezuelan national team, and he helped them win the bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics.

Galarraga's perfect game bid was the first in the majors since Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers came within one out of a perfect game on June 2, 2010. Joyce was the umpire who made the incorrect call that cost Galarraga his perfect game.