WATCH: White Sox Lose Due to Abhorrent Infield Fly Rule, Internet Goes Crazy originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Thursday’s game between the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles ended in one of the most bizarre calls you’ll ever see.
Trailing 8-2 in the final frame, the White Sox rallied for four runs in the bottom of the ninth and had a chance to win the game with runners on first and second base with one out.
Andrew Benintendi swung for an infield pop-out, and Andrew Vaughn leisurely walked back to second base when shortstop Gunner Henderson moved up to make the catch. The referee called in Vaughn, who unintentionally (not to mention barely) stepped into Henderson’s path.
Fans on social media immediately went after the referee for calling out interference on a play that would have been ruled out regardless of whether the ball was caught or not due to the infield fly rule. Whether Vaughn actually interfered with the shortstop was also debatable.
MLB umpires are having the most embarrassing year ever.
First, this was ruled an infield fly, so the bishop is automatically eliminated. Second, there was no blatant attempt at interference. It’s downright embarrassing that a game ends like this. pic.twitter.com/LBx2HpkBJl
— Jason Shetler (@Jason_Shetler) May 24, 2024
Worst call of the season?
Andrew Vaughn (runner on second) called for interference on Gunnar Henderson after an infield fly rule – game ends. The White Sox cut the lead from 8-2 to 8-6 in the ninth before this call. pic.twitter.com/fZdA1szqdT
— SleeperMLB (@SleeperMLB) May 24, 2024
I’m an O’s fan (Obv) and I’m glad they got the win… But what the hell was that? Possibly the worst call I’ve seen in all my years of watching baseball. #Birdland #White socks
— Brad (@bgg1991) May 24, 2024
I hate the White Sox, but that’s one of the worst calls I’ve ever seen. What a terrible decision by the umpire at second base. An absolute joke.
— Greg Shirron (@KJH05) May 24, 2024
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