The Los Angeles Angels and Oakland A’s were tied 4-4 in the 10th inning on Sunday, when home plate umpire Jim Reynolds decided to create a brand-new strike zone.

The Angels had a runner on second base (thanks to the new extra-inning rule) with no outs, and A’s reliever Liam Hendriks delivered a very obvious strike. However, it was not so obvious to Reynolds, and he ruled the pitch a ball.

Oh, but Reynolds wasn’t done. On the very next pitch, Reynolds once again called a ball on a pitch that was clearly in the strike zone.

Fortunately for the A’s, Hendriks worked around the unacceptable missed strikes and got out of the inning unscathed. And they won in the bottom of the 10th on a sacrifice fly from Mark Canha.

While Reynolds’ calls were absolutely horrible, that’s sadly been a very normal theme around the league so far this season. Check out this 100-mph fastball down the middle from the Kansas City Royals’ Josh Staumont that was called a ball earlier this week by umpire Jeremie Rehak.

And this clear walk drawn by the Washington Nationals’ Juan Soto that umpire Jansen Visconti decided was instead strike three.

And this sinker — that was nearly in the dirt — from San Diego Padres pitcher Zach Davies that was called a strike by umpire Lance Barrett.

Sometimes these inexcusable calls don’t end up meaning much, but they can absolutely alter games (and even just going from a pitcher’s count to a hitter’s count, and vice versa, can have a huge impact on an at-bat). It’s why automated strike zones are coming- it’s just a matter of when.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.