Tempers flared in Queens on Thursday as Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch was ejected from a heated game against the New York Mets at Citi Field. The flashpoint came in the fourth inning, when a controversial out call at third base sent Hinch storming onto the field to confront home plate umpire Jordan Baker.

The drama unfolded after Tigers rookie Gage Workman laced a double off Mets pitcher Nolan McLean—a strong candidate for National League Rookie of the Year. With Zach McKinstry at the plate, a blooper to left field left Workman caught in no-man's land. Unsure if the ball would be caught, he hesitated before breaking late for third. The throw beat him, but only just.

Replays on Citi Field's massive videoboard seemed to show Workman's hand grazing the bag before the tag. Hinch challenged the call, but after a video review, the out stood. That's when the Tigers' skipper erupted, charging onto the diamond to voice his frustration. His animated argument earned him an ejection, but many—including this writer—believe he had every right to be furious. In slow motion, it looked like Workman was safe.

To add insult to injury, Tigers pitcher Keider Montero surrendered a two-run homer to Brett Baty moments later, knotting the game at 3-3. For Detroit, it was a frustrating twist in what had been a promising inning.

Hinch's outburst underscores the high stakes of every call in a tight ballgame. For fans watching at home, it was a reminder that even in the age of instant replay, the human element—and the occasional missed call—can still ignite a firestorm.