{
  "id": 3638433,
  "title": "‘It’s obvious to anybody’: Umpires’ missed balk call costs Cubs in 2-0 loss to Diamondbacks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/its-obvious-to-anybody-umpires-missed-balk-call-costs-cubs-in-2-0",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-27T01:39:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/obvious-anybody-umpires-missed-balk-013900650.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "PHOENIX — Pete Crow-Armstrong was still fuming two hours after the controversial call. The Chicago Cubs hadn’t done much against Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Eduardo Rodríguez when Crow-Armstrong doubled to lead off the sixth inning Wednesday. In a scoreless game, Crow-Armstrong advanced to third on a groundout, putting the Cubs in position to break through with a series win on the line. ...",
  "key_points": [
    "Umpires missed obvious balk call, angered Cubs players.",
    "Alfonso Márquez admitted umpires missed the call.",
    "Diamondbacks won 2-0, ending Cubs' three-game losing streak."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}