Chicago Cubs lose to Diamondbacks following missed balk call

A missed balk call contributed to the Chicago Cubs' 2-0 loss against the Arizona Diamondbacks. During the sixth inning of a scoreless game, Pete Crow-Armstrong was stranded at third base after Arizona pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez appeared to step off the rubber during his motion without a balk being called.

The decision sparked intense frustration from the Cubs, leading to an argument involving Crow-Armstrong, third-base coach Quintin Berry, and manager Craig Counsell. Because the call was not reviewable, the Cubs were unable to challenge the decision.

Following the game, crew chief Alfonso Márquez admitted the umpiring error, stating, “We just didn’t see it,” and noting that video evidence suggested the pitcher had indeed stepped off. The Diamondbacks eventually secured the win with a solo home run by Jordan Lawlar in the bottom of the sixth and an additional insurance run in the eighth.