The San Diego Padres have been one of the biggest disappointments so far this season. But even when it isn’t their fault, the game finds a way to go against the Padres.
During the third inning of Sunday’s game against the Cubs — with the Padres already down six runs — Dansby Swanson seemingly had to make a tough play and retire Jake Cronenworth at second base to end the inning. But the play ended up being way easier for the Cubs shortstop than he probably anticipated.
That was because he got an assist from second base umpire Ryan Wills in the process.
get out of the way dude pic.twitter.com/uPUHtF0Tzw
— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) June 4, 2023
As Cronenworth made his way to second, Wills appeared to be standing right in the base path, essentially blocking Cronenworth from reaching the bag before the inning-ending throw.
The play itself likely wasn’t going to change the game. After all, the Padres were already down big, and Swanson possibly would have gotten Ha-Seong Kim out at first if he threw there instead. Yet, Wills’ poor positioning and subsequent reaction had to be frustrating for the Padres. Wills gestured and spoke to Cronenworth as if it was the baserunner’s fault for running into the umpire. Wills was the one in the way.
Cronenworth could only stand there in disbelief as the inning came to a close. There’s no reason for an umpire to get set up inside the base path.
This was how Twitter reacted
Best part of this is the ump sticking his hand out like he wasn’t the one in the way🤣 https://t.co/fzLGtg3O98
— Mel (@whatthesports_) June 4, 2023
you gotta be kidding me. https://t.co/qBALSSSsBI
— 준 Jun (@Royals_Jun) June 4, 2023
Terrible positioning by the ump. https://t.co/jy3287RWwE
— Dennis M. Esser (@coachesser) June 4, 2023
The ump holding his hand out like Crone did something wrong what a buffoon https://t.co/lhX7IZeoXK
— Dave (@Vhfan3) June 4, 2023
I still think he would’ve made it and I’m beyond annoyed. https://t.co/JLhXJb0I9r
— Alyssa ✪ (@alyssamyabut) June 4, 2023
He would’ve been safe. 😡 https://t.co/EtZGhyRt7N
— LisB 🌻 (@bzlisa5) June 4, 2023
How this season is going rn 🫠🫠🫠 https://t.co/IBCN3bbdMS
— nick martinez (@NiickyTee) June 4, 2023
Was gonna be safe https://t.co/I7mX7LKQ74
— jaime☀️ (@xjvelazquez) June 4, 2023
Swanson isn’t even getting rid of the ball and cronenworth is 2 steps from the bag. That’s so bad by the umpire lol https://t.co/2G6tUzO3TR
— Kevin Crotty (@the_crotty) June 4, 2023
