Balk-off win for KC over CWS

[Nine of twelve]

One can easily find the video of this play on mlb.com

With 2 outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth of a tie game in Kansas City, Gregory Santos of the White Sox committed a balk, resulting in a win for the Royals. Santos didn’t come to a stop in set position before delivering to the plate. It appeared in part that he was trying to get away with a quick pitch but also the pitch clock was very close to zero. It wasn’t clear whether the batter was ready in time but no violation was called.

 I think the game has benefited from having the pitch clock but I don’t think anyone anticipated that it would be a factor in a play that directly determined the outcome of a game. I don’t blame the clock here because the players are responsible for following the rules. Moreover, the outcome of this particular game is of essentially no consequence other than possibly determining draft position. But had this happened in a postseason game I expect a contentious discussion would have ensued.