It’s been a weird day for those watching Thursday’s game between the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, and that includes the broadcasters in the booth.
First, we were treated to one of the worst no-calls of the season, which is really saying something, on a pitch right down the middle called a ball. That one not only stumped viewers but also both TV booths.
I don’t know if I have ever seen a worse call in all my time watching Major League Baseball.
Robot umps.
— Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) June 9, 2022
As if that wasn’t a bad decision, White Sox manager Tony La Russa made an even worse one later on. With the Dodgers leading 7-5 in the top of the sixth inning, pitcher Bennett Sousa was ahead of Trea Turner 1-2 with a runner on second. La Russa called for an intentional walk to bring Max Muncy up with two men on.
This decision absolutely stymied White Sox broadcasters Jason Benetti and Steve Stone.
The guy screaming "He has two strikes, Tony!" after Tony La Russa intentionally walked Trea Turner on a 1-2 count to pitch to Max Muncy who proceeded to hit a three-run homer is peak chef's kiss. (via @NBCSWhiteSox)pic.twitter.com/C9yaR0ZdBU
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 9, 2022
Obviously, you know what happened next.
Welcome back, Max Muncy! pic.twitter.com/Umij8joYAQ
— MLB (@MLB) June 9, 2022
And if you look closely at Muncy’s lips after he crosses home plate, he has a very specific thought on La Russa’s decision.
Tony La Russa intentionally walked Trea Turner on a 1-2 count to get to Max Muncy and Max responded by hitting a 3-run "F U" home run.
"F'n disrespectful" -Max Muncy
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) June 9, 2022
Muncy and the White Sox broadcasters weren’t alone. Folks all over the MLB world were flabbergasted by the decision to internationally walk someone with two strikes, regardless of what kind of situation the move set up. Especially considering the Sox ended up losing the game, 11-9.
Second day in a row we have Dodgers broadcasters and/or players laughing at Tony La Russa’s managing. https://t.co/y0GGLXYAR5
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) June 9, 2022
The White Sox lost by two runs, which is one fewer than scored on this home run. https://t.co/oOMOgPFl3K
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) June 9, 2022
Oh my lord I just realized it wasn’t just 1-2 to Turner but there were already two outs when he got the IBB. What the hell, Tony? https://t.co/NbUANislOn
— Brandon Warne (@Brandon_Warne) June 9, 2022
https://twitter.com/EliHershkovich/status/1535002502793420810
When wondering about Joe Maddon still having a managerial future, remember that Tony La Russa is managing a team with title aspirations. https://t.co/h70lPfabUD
— Matt Clapp (@TheBlogfines) June 9, 2022
This should be Tony La Russa's last game managing the White Sox.
Do the right thing.
— Shane Riordan (@shane_riordan) June 9, 2022
Seems like the only person who didn’t have a problem with La Russa’s decision was La Russa.
Tony La Russa on the decision to walk Trea Turner with a 1-2 count and face Max Muncy: “Is there some question about whether that was a good move or not? … That wasn’t a tough call.”
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) June 9, 2022
[AA]
