‘It’s obvious to anybody’: Umpires’ missed balk call costs Cubs in 2-0 loss to Diamondbacks

Phoenix — Chicago Cubs infielder Pete Crow-Armstrong was furious two hours after a controversial call during Wednesday night's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Leading off the sixth inning, Crow-Armstrong doubled, moving to third on a groundout, giving the Cubs an opportunity for a series win. As Arizona left-hander Eduardo Rodríguez approached to pitch, Crow-Armstrong’s movement led him to seemingly balk, prompting him and third-base coach Quintin Berry to gesture to left-handed pitcher Rodríguez.

Following a discussion among the umpires, who included plate umpire Alfonso Márquez and crew chief, the ruling that no balk occurred was upheld. However, Crow-Armstrong and Berry were not satisfied with the decision, with Crow-Armstrong alleging that four umpires missed a "pretty obvious play." Márquez, in response, admitted that the umpires missed the call, but Crow-Armstrong felt that they should have acknowledged their mistake immediately.

Despite the blown call, the Diamondbacks went on to win 2-0, led by Rodríguez and a solo home run from center fielder Jordan Lawlar. The Cubs' series loss continued their three-game losing streak, including two walk-off defeats, while they now face a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds and a four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers.