Phoenix: Pete Crow-Armstrong’s frustration lingered hours after a disputed call. The Chicago Cubs struggled against the Arizona Diamondbacks’ pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez when Crow-Armstrong hit a double to begin the sixth inning on Wednesday. In the scoreless game, Crow-Armstrong moved to third base on a groundout, setting up a scoring chance for the Cubs with the series victory within reach.
During Rodríguez’s delivery on a 2-1 pitch to Michael Busch, Crow-Armstrong’s assertive steps toward home seemed to trigger a balk, as Rodríguez’s back foot appeared to leave the rubber. Crow-Armstrong and third-base coach Quintin Berry immediately indicated a balk, anticipating a momentum shift in the Cubs’ 2-0 loss.
The call didn’t favor Chicago. Led by plate umpire and crew chief Alfonso Márquez, the umpires conferred on the field, ultimately maintaining the original decision of no balk. Crow-Armstrong protested passionately, approaching third-base umpire Malachi Moore, prompting Berry to intervene.
“I saw four umpires miss a pretty obvious play,” Crow-Armstrong remarked. “Their one job is to get calls right, and if they get it wrong, they’re supposed to discuss and correct it. They failed.”
Despite acknowledging postgame that the balk was missed, no video review was available, Márquez revealed. Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed his frustration over the decision.
While Busch acquired a walk, Nico Hoerner struck out, and Diamondbacks center fielder Jordan Lawlar hit a solo home run shortly after. The Diamondbacks solidified their lead with an eighth-inning sacrifice fly, leaving the Cubs with limited scoring opportunities in their two-hit loss. Chicago ended the trip with a 2-4 record, marked by three walk-off defeats.
“They flat out missed it,” Counsell stated. “It’s plain to anyone watching on TV. They missed it. It’s difficult to contest when the error is that clear.”
Despite allowing only one run in 20 innings from starters Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes, and Boyd, the Cubs couldn’t capitalize. Upcoming games include a rest day in Chicago, leading into matchups against the Cincinnati Reds and a pivotal series with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Crow-Armstrong expressed disappointment in his performance after going 1-for-12 with one walk during the series. “I should have performed better,” he admitted. “My frustrations got the best of me.”