Game Overview
During a recent game between the Red Sox and the Reds, umpire C.B. Bucknor's calls led to multiple challenges and notable incidents. The Red Sox ultimately lost the game 6-5.
Eight of C.B. Bucknor's calls were challenged during the game, marking a significant night for umpire reviews.
Umpire Challenges
Eight of Bucknor's calls were challenged during the game. The Red Sox challenged two calls early, both of which were upheld, consequently limiting their ability to challenge later in the game.
The Reds, however, demonstrated more strategic use of their challenges. They successfully changed five strike calls to balls in the sixth and seventh innings. This included a particularly notable sequence where two consecutive pitches called out against Eugenio Suárez were both overturned upon challenge.
Key Incidents
Trevor Story's Check Swing: In the seventh inning, Bucknor called Trevor Story out on a check swing, notably without appealing to the first base umpire for confirmation. Red Sox manager Alex Cora was subsequently ejected by Bucknor for arguing this call.
Other Questionable Calls: Bucknor also called out Story on a 3-2 pitch in the fourth inning that appeared to be outside the strike zone. Later, in the eighth inning, Marcelo Mayer struck out looking at a pitch that also seemed to be off the plate.
Pre-game Prediction
Reds.TV broadcaster Sam LeCure had a prescient prediction during the pregame show. He specifically mentioned C.B. Bucknor as the home plate umpire and predicted an unusually high number of challenges for the game.
Game Duration
Despite the game extending to 11 innings and featuring eight challenges, the contest concluded in a relatively brisk 3 hours and 32 minutes.