Controversy unfolded on Wednesday, involving Pittsburgh Pirates star Bryan Reynolds and home plate umpire Chris Guccione. The incident took place during the Pirates’ away game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California.
Umpire Guccione made a delayed strike call after Athletics starter J.T. Ginn delivered a low pitch to Reynolds at the top of the first inning. The All-Star outfielder immediately signalled for an ABS challenge by tapping his helmet.
However, Guccione flatly denied the challenge, citing the numerous “no, no, no,” and “low” yells coming from the Pirates dugout. Per the rule, outside influences can’t influence a batter’s decision in an ABS challenge.
Pirates manager Don Kelly vehemently protested the decision. However, first base umpire David Rackley and the rest of the crew stood by Guccione’s decision. They also noted that Reynolds’ helmet tap came a little late.
Baseball fans on social media were critical of Guccione. They vented their frustration on X. Most of them questioned the character of the MLB umpires and wondered at the need for them in the modern game.
Pittsburgh Pirates Win Series Against Athletics
The Pittsburgh Pirates secured a 2-1 win against Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Atheltics won Game 1 on Monday with a dominant 11-2 victory, but Pirates bounced back to win the remaining two games.
Bryan Reynolds and Brandon Lowe were the stars of Game 2 on Tuesday. Reynolds hit two homers, while Lowe blasted a clutch, tie-breaking solo home run in the top of the ninth inning to seal the 6-5 victory. Gregory Soto earned his 11th save of the season by closing out the ninth inning.
Pirates clinched the series on Wednesday with an explosive 12-4 victory in the finale, racking up 16 hits. Ryan O’Hearn drove in a career-high six RBIs with a home run, double and single, spearheading the offensive onslaught. Marcell Ozuna also hit a dinger, sending the ball 448 feet away.
Pirates started Braxton Ashcraft, who struck out seven batters over six innings, allowing just one earned run to claim his sixth win of 2026. Relief pitcher Isaac Mattson closed the game with a flyout and two strikeouts in the ninth inning.
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