The Pirates were threatening with the bases loaded and two outs, but the inning unraveled after a series of bad calls at the plate. Jack Suwinski worked a strong count but got squeezed twice on clear balls that were called strikes. One call in particular, on a 3-1 pitch low and well below the zone, set off both Suwinski and manager Derek Shelton. Shelton came out to defend his hitter and got tossed after giving the ump an earful for missing two calls in the same at-bat. Fans in Pittsburgh appreciated the defense, but it didn’t help the outcome.
Forced to swing at anything close with two strikes, Suwinski chased a borderline pitch just to stay alive. He struck out, slammed his helmet, and walked off frustrated. The umpire, typically solid, struggled throughout the at-bat and missed two crucial calls that changed the outcome. The Pirates didn’t score, and an opportunity to close a three-run gap disappeared with Suwinski’s forced strikeout.