Manny Machado's controversial baserunning stunt breaks Dodgers' brains, flips NLDS

The San Diego Padres rallied in Game 3 of the NLDS to flip the series and take a 2-1 lead. They used a six-run second inning to get the job done in the 6-5 win and can advance to the NLCS if they defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 on Wednesday.

But once again, this one wasn't without controversy. That's just life when the Padres and Dodgers face off nowadays.

And, you've guessed it: this also included Manny Machado and Dave Roberts, but it didn't feature any baseballs being hurled in the skipper's direction courtesy of the third baseman.

In the bottom of the second inning, Machado helped open the floodgates with a controversial baserunning stunt that somehow went overlooked by the umpiring crew. After a leadoff single, Machado was tasked with breaking up a double play when Jackson Merrill ripped a grounder to first base.

Freddie Freeman fielded it on his knees and immediately unleashed a throw to second base. And his instincts were right: he threw it towards in the inside of the bag to take a shorter path so the Dodgers would have a better chance of turning two. But that's right where Machado was situated while running.

Padres vs Dodgers NLDS Game 3: Controversial Manny Machado play explained

The ball bounced off Machado's helmet and flew into left field. Machado advanced to third base, and then all hell broke loose.

Xander Bogaerts was up next and he grounded to shortstop. Uh oh, another double play ball! Except ... Miguel Rojas managed to record zero outs. He was late getting to second base for the force, and his throw didn't make it in time to first. Everybody was safe and Machado scored to tie the game 1-1.

David Peralta doubled to make it 3-1. Jake Cronenworth extended the inning with an infield single. Kyle Higashioka hit a sac fly. Fernando Tatis Jr. homered. Just like that, it was 6-1. The Dodgers answered immediately in the top of the third with a grand slam off the bat of Tesocar Hernandez, but neither team scored again. Michael King and Walker Buehler battled it out before the bullpens emptied the tank.

Dodgers fans have been outside their minds on social media, blaming Roberts for not challenging the Machado baserunning play, but he couldn't. The play is not reviewable.

Per MLB's rules, the only baserunning calls that can be challenged/reviewed are as follows: "Calls involving whether a baserunner passes a preceding runner, whether a baserunner scored ahead of a third out, and whether a baserunner touched a base." But then this had us wondering if there was a loophole: "Interference on double plays: Calls pertaining to whether a runner intentionally interfered with a fielder in an attempt to break up a double play."

That was technically a double play so ... does that qualify? Asking for our friend Dave. We don't want the entire world mad at him now. Padres fans already booed him out of the building on Tuesday night.

Nonetheless, however you wan to look at it, Machado was clearly out of the baseline and the umpires missing that call ended up tilting the scales in a massive manner. If the Dodgers turn that double play, they likely end the inning after Bogaerts' grounder.

Max Muncy was right. The Padres' game is getting under their opponents' skin. And it seems like their opponents need to be strong-willed to neutralize that strategy. Maybe the Dodgers will stop complaining and respond with their actions in Game 4.