The White Sox pulled off a strange walk-off win against the Tigers in extra innings with a mix of small ball and confusion. Tied 1-1 in the 10th, Chicago tried a textbook strategy by bunting the runner to third. Detroit countered by stacking five infielders, including an outfielder, to stop a potential grounder. The plan worked as the batter hit straight into the wall of defenders for the second out. Tigers then issued an intentional walk, loading the bases after a hit-by-pitch caught the next batter on the arm.
With two outs and the game in the balance, things got messy. The catcher called for a breaking ball but the pitcher delivered a sinker. The ball sailed past the catcher and nailed the home plate umpire in the face, allowing the winning run to score on a wild pitch. The ump went down hard but still tried to track the ball and make the call, showing some grit while stunned. Players gathered awkwardly, unsure if they should celebrate while the ump was clearly shaken up. He eventually walked off under his own power, but the scene remained uncomfortable.
The White Sox still took the win and wrapped things up with a subdued celebration featuring a handful of bubble gum tossed around. The inning included almost no hitting: just a bunt, an intentional walk, a hit-by-pitch, and a wild pitch. It was a messy finish to a close game and a painful end for the ump, but a win’s a win for Chicago.