Story perspectives

Cubs Blown Balk Call in 2-0 Loss to D-backs

8/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cubs lost 2-0 to Arizona Diamondbacks after a missed balk call that would have given them a 1-0 lead.
Outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong argued the non-call, was restrained by third-base coach Quintin Berry, and avoided ejection.
Crew chief Alfonso Márquez said the umpires missed the balk, while video showed pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez stepping off the rubber.
Jordan Lawlar hit a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth, providing the Diamondbacks’ winning run.

History

Historical Context

In 1975 the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Boston Red Sox four games to three in a series famed for its dramatic Game 6 and intense umpire scrutiny. That historic controversy still resonates, as chief umpire Alfonso Márquez’s missed balk call in the Cubs-Diamondbacks matchup today among fans and officials revives calls for video-review technology.

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Story summary

Cubs lost 2-0 to Arizona Diamondbacks after a missed balk call that would have given them a 1-0 lead.
Outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong argued the non-call, was restrained by third-base coach Quintin Berry, and avoided ejection.
Crew chief Alfonso Márquez said the umpires missed the balk, while video showed pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez stepping off the rubber.
Jordan Lawlar hit a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth, providing the Diamondbacks’ winning run.

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