The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 2-1, in bizarre walk-off fashion on Friday night.
Rays reliever Matt Wisler was called for a balk in the bottom half of the tenth inning with the game tied 1-1, giving the Reds the victory.
Cincinnati's Mark Kolozsvary began the 10th inning at second base as the "ghost-runner," per the MLB's extra-inning rules. Then, Nick Senzel bunted Kolozsvary over to third base. A batter later, with Tyler Naquin at the plate, Wisler was called for the balk, sending Kolozsvary home.
Before a 1-2 pitch to Naquin, Wisler moved his glove before beginning his pitching motion, prompting home plate umpire Edwin Moscoso to make the balk call.
2-1. Ballgame called on a balk. pic.twitter.com/S3z3pY8Cwh
— Bally Sports Sun: Rays (@BallyRays) July 9, 2022
According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, it's the first time in franchise history the Rays have lost a game on a walk-off balk.
The last time a major league game ended in a balk before Friday was in 2018 when the Mariners defeated the Dodgers, 5-4.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!