Chicago White Sox win on bizarre walk-off after umpire gets hit in the face

Over the years, we have seen plenty of weird walk-off efforts in Major League Baseball. With 30 teams playing 162 regular season games, wacky things around bound to happen. Scenes in Chicago were the latest example, with the White Sox taking home a game on a wild pitch.

On the surface, a wild pitch walk-off is something that’s occurred plenty of times in the sport. However, this one took out an umpire while doing so. This one was scarier than others, with the umpire taking a 96 miles per hour four-seam fastball right on the face.

Detroit’s Jose Cisnero was on the mound, looking to get the Tigers out of the 10th inning. For some reason, catcher Eric Haase was late to get his glove up but was quick to check on the umpire’s health. Unfortunately, the ball was still live and Yoan Moncada crossed home plate to score the winning run.

You can check out the full moment here.

White Sox walk it off on a pitch that hits the umpire 😳 @NBCSWhiteSox pic.twitter.com/p2SdfeWgy8

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) June 3, 2023

At the time, Chicago had the bases loaded with two out but with former American League batting champion Tim Anderson at the plate, they had to feel pretty good. On the other side, Detroit needed just one pitch to get out of the inning and extend the game.

And then, as we saw, chaos unfolded. Not even the home broadcasting crew for the White Sox understood the situation, first questioning if the game was over. The home plate umpire never gave an official signal since he was still shaken up from the play.

Even with the injury, the White Sox did get the win against the Tigers, taking the series before Sunday could arrive.

Truly a weird moment in Chicago but sometimes, that’s how baseball goes.

Chicago White Sox looking to pick up steam after slow start

There have been a few disappointing starts in baseball this season, with the White Sox being one them. Even with Saturday’s win, they sit well below .500 in a not-very-good AL Central. Internally, this was thought to be a period where Chicago could seriously compete in the American League.

As things stand, the White Sox find themselves in fourth place, behind the Minnesota Twins, Detroit, and the Cleveand Guardians. Minnesota is the only team with a winning record and has a four-game lead over the Tigers. Chicago has some serious catching up to do as they are seven games back. Getting two consecutive wins, even in bizarre fashion, is a good start.