Controversial Check Swing Call Sparks Phillies’ Comeback Victory Over Pirates
ThePhiladelphia Phillies mounted an impressive late-game comeback on Friday night, but not without a moment of controversy that left the P ittsburgh Pirates and their fans frustrated.
Trailing 3-1 in the bottom of the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies found themselves with two runners aboard and just one out. Star slugger Bryce Harper stepped to the plate in a high-stakes at-bat, working a full count against Pirates reliever Ryan Borucki.
Borucki delivered a pitch on the outer edge of the strike zone, and Harper offered a checked swing that appeared — to many observers — to have gone around. The Pirates appealed to third-base umpire John Libka, who ruled that Harper held up his swing, allowing him to draw a crucial walk and load the bases.
The call quickly drew criticism, with replays suggesting Harper’s bat may have crossed the plate. The non-strike ruling sparked a rally that helped the Phillies seize momentum and eventually pull off a come-from-behind win.
While the Phillies capitalized on the opportunity and delivered in the clutch, the missed call undeniably played a role in shifting the game’s direction. For the Pirates, it was a frustrating reminder of how a single judgment call can swing the outcome of a tight contest.
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