Full Breakdown
Cubs Lose 2-0 After Missed Balk Call Sparks Outburst
8/27/2026, 7:52:55 AM
The Missed Balk Play
In the top of the sixth inning on August 26, 2026 at Chase Field, Chicago’s leadoff hitter Pete Crow-Armstrong doubled and advanced to third on a groundout. With two outs, Diamondbacks starter Eduardo Rodriguez began his wind-up. Crow-Armstrong broke for home, prompting Rodriguez to step backward off the rubber before delivering the ball. Under MLB Rule 6.02 a pitcher who disengages from the rubber with a runner on base commits a balk, which would have awarded Crow-Armstrong home and given Chicago a 1-0 lead. The crew conferred and ruled no balk; the play was not reviewable. The inning ended with a strikeout, and Arizona later scored two runs to win 2-0.
Game Outcome and Series Context
The missed call proved decisive in a shutout loss that gave Arizona the series finale. The Cubs entered the game atop the NL wild-card standings but remained six games behind the Brewers for the division lead. The three-game Arizona road trip concluded with a 2-4 record, leaving Chicago at 76-58 with 28 games remaining.
Official Statements & Responses
Crew chief Alfonso Márquez said the crew “didn’t see it” after reviewing video. Cubs manager Craig Counsell called the non-call “obvious to anyone on TV.” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo noted the reaction suggested a balk may have occurred but said he had not seen the replay. MLB rules confirm that balk calls are not subject to video review, leaving the on-field decision final.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We just didn't see it. After looking at the video (postgame), it looked like he stepped off,” — Alfonso Márquez
- “I saw four umpires miss a pretty obvious play,” — Pete Crow-Armstrong
- “I don't know how you miss somebody starting their motion and then stopping it and stepping off,” — Pete Crow-Armstrong
Criticism & Opposition
Both parties framed the incident as a clear error rather than a judgment call.
Why It Matters
The missed balk eliminated a scoring opportunity that could have altered the game’s outcome and the Cubs’ momentum in a tight wild-card race. The incident also revived discussion about umpire positioning and transparency of on-field decision-making in high-stakes late-season games.
