The Phillies found themselves in a tight spot in the fourth inning, down three runs but with two on and no outs. JT Realmuto stepped up and ended up on first after a controversial hit-by-pitch call. Replay was inconclusive, and Bud Black came out to challenge, but the Rockies had already used their challenge earlier in the game. Black tried to plead for an umpire-initiated review, citing the importance of the game, but the umpire refused and eventually tossed him after a heated exchange.
That missed call helped load the bases, and the Phillies took full advantage. With Nick Castellanos dancing off third, the pitcher balked, bringing in a run. Then a weak grounder down the third base line, mishandled again, put another on the board. The inning snowballed from there, and the Phillies added two more in the same frame. Colorado’s early defensive mistakes and inability to challenge the questionable HBP shifted the momentum, and Philadelphia rolled to a win.
Bud Black’s reaction was equal parts frustration and performance. His disbelief and dramatic gestures added entertainment, but his argument had merit. The call turned a critical moment, and the Phillies capitalized.