Joyce to umpire near-perfect Galarraga's start

PITTSBURGH (AP) -When Armando Galarraga steps onto the mound to face Baltimore on Friday night, the Tigers pitcher will see a familiar face behind home plate in umpire Jim Joyce.

This time, it's Joyce that plans on being perfect.

Joyce, widely considered one of the majors' top umpires, cost the Tigers rookie a perfect game on June 2 when he incorrectly called the Indians' Jason Donald safe at first on what should have been a game-ending grounder.

Joyce acknowledged missing the call after watching a video replay. His heartfelt apology to Galarraga, and the pitcher's calm and graceful acceptance of it, drew praise as a model for sportsmanship during a time when athletes more often attract headlines for misbehavior.