Full Breakdown
Mason Miller's 34 2/3 -Inning Scoreless Streak Ends Amid Controversial Fair-Foul Call
4/28/2026, 10:29:30 PM
Scoreless Streak Ends in Controversial Call
Mason Miller's Padres-record streak of 34 2/3 scoreless innings ended in the ninth of the 9-7 win over the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. After entering with a four-run lead, Miller faced Matt Shaw, whose ball was ruled fair by umpires Dan Merzel and Shane Livensparger. The call stood, Shaw reached base, and Miller surrendered two singles, a force-out RBI and a wild-pitch run, ending the streak.
Streak History and Season Performance
The streak began on Aug. 6, 2025, setting a Padres franchise record and ranking eighth-longest for a reliever since 1961. In 34 2/3 innings Miller allowed no runs, earned 10 saves, struck out 28 while walking two, and posted a 1.26 ERA. His fastball averages 101.5 mph; his slider, used on half of his pitches, generates a 72 % whiff rate, giving him a 56 % strikeout percentage above the MLB average.
Key Participants
Key participants: Mason Miller (closer), Ty France (third baseman), Matt Shaw (Cubs leadoff hitter), umpires Dan Merzel and Shane Livensparger, Padres manager Craig Stammen, Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner, and Cubs manager Craig Counsell.
Official Statements & Responses
Miller said the umpire’s call was final and noted varied opinions in the stadium. Stammen argued replays showed a foul ball and defended his players. Counsell praised his team’s three-hitter effort against Miller despite the loss.
Criticism of the Fair/Foul Decision
Replays showed the ball stopping short of the foul line, leading analysts to call the fair ruling a misapplication of the rule that a ball must be over the line to be fair. Critics noted the non-reviewable nature of the call amplified the dispute.
Conflicting Views on Ball Position
ESPN and CBS reported the ball rolled foul, while Fox News said replays “clearly” showed a foul ball yet upheld the fair call. The rulebook defines a fair ball as one settling on fair ground between home and third, a definition at odds with broadcast evidence.
Implications for Miller and the Padres
The streak’s end raised Miller’s ERA to 1.26 but left him with league-leading saves and a strikeout rate above the MLB average, preserving his Cy Young candidacy. The Padres, now 19-9, sit a half-game behind the NL West leaders, illustrating how a single disputed call can affect both individual accolades and team positioning.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I thought I saw something different, but he was a lot closer than I was.” — Mason Miller, Padres closer
- “I thought it was foul, but … they said they both had it fair and it’s a non-reviewable play,” — Ty France, Padres third baseman
- “We trust that our players are watching the ball and Ty's picking it up at the right time,” — Craig Stammen, Padres manager
- “The beauty of it is you get to start another one,” — Mason Miller, Padres closer
Upcoming Game
The Padres will host the Cubs again Tuesday night, with Miller slated to appear in the bullpen.
