Horrendous Ump Show Unfolds As Controversial Balk Call Leads To Walk-Off Win Right Before Playoffs

The Lynchburg Hillcats were cheated during their Minor League Baseball game against the Salem Red Sox this week when a balk was called in the bottom of the ninth inning with the bases loaded. It was a terrible way to lose a crucial game with the playoffs around the corner.

And to make matters worse, the home plate umpire took an unnecessary amount time to make the decision!

Salem had the bases juiced with one out. The game was tied at nine runs apiece.

Robert Wegielnik was on the bump for the Single-A affiliate for the Cleveland Guardians with a chance to work Lynchburg out of a jam. He could not do so.

Rather, he was not even presented the opportunity to do so!

Wegielnik’s full windup is a little bit funky. The 6-foot righty pitcher steps forward toward the plate before stepping back to come set on the rubber. It happens on every single pitch he has ever thrown.

Perhaps that initial step was the root cause for his most recent balk call. However, if it was a problem, he would be called for a balk every single time he throws down to the plate. The movement to come set is legal. His foot is lined up in the set and he used the set delivery.

This is what makes the balk call so confusing. What did the umpire have that ~everyone else~ didn’t?

Wegielnik threw down to the plate for what appeared to be strike one on a checked swing and the catcher even looked down to third base for the decision on whether the batter went. It didn’t matter because the home plate umpire called a balk. Game over!