Cubs-Pirates Ends in Controversial Fashion With Close Play at Home Plate

Did the umpire make the right call?

Marquee Sports Network

A pitcher's duel between the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on Saturday was settled in controversial fashion in the bottom of the ninth inning.

With the score tied 0–0, Cubs third baseman Christopher Morel swatted a David Bednar splitter into center field for a base hit, sending Cody Bellinger racing home from second base as the potential game-winning run.

Michael A. Taylor's throw from center field beat Bellinger to the bag, and Pirates catcher Joey Bart lunged to tag the baserunner before his foot crossed home plate.

Bart appeared to lay the tag on Bellinger, but the ball was popped loose and fell to the ground after he transferred it from his glove to his hand. Bellinger was ruled safe, sending Wrigley Field into a frenzy worthy of a walk-off.

BALLGAME! CUBS WIN! pic.twitter.com/Zr417Cb3EP

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 18, 2024

The Pirates challenged the call on the field, but it was upheld after review.

Runner was ruled safe before and after review for the walk-off run pic.twitter.com/Y62EQXLmIn

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) May 18, 2024

MLB fans appeared pretty split on whether or not the correct call was made on the field. Did Bart tag Bellinger in time? And if he did, did he hold onto the ball long enough?

Bellinger knocked the ball loose, clearly. They must’ve determined that Bart missed the tag. Looked to me like he got him.

— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) May 18, 2024

Absolutely out.

— Dark Clark (@DarkClark_) May 18, 2024

Am I the only person on earth who agrees with the call? The catcher drops the ball after the tag is applied. As long as I can recall, that’s always resulted in the runner being safe. Is the argument that he intentionally knocked it out of his hand?

— The Astros Locker (@TheAstrosLocker) May 18, 2024

Cody Bellinger was 10,00000% out, one of the worst calls i have EVER seen

— Baseball Noticer (@TheNoticingShow) May 18, 2024

Out, he didn’t drop the ball he tagged the player and tried to put the ball in his throwing hand just for bellinger to block the transition.

— Sal DeFillip (@SalDefillip) May 18, 2024

Catcher drops the ball, he's safe...

— Kevin, BOOMER SOONER!!! GO THUNDER!!! (@kevinmc3232) May 18, 2024

The Pirates, who took the first two games of the series, will get a chance at revenge Sunday in the finale at Wrigley Field.