MLB fans are furious after the San Diego Padres were eliminated by the Chicago Cubs, thanks largely to a horrific strike three call on Xander Bogaerts in the top half of the ninth inning of Thursday’s decisive Game 3.

The Cubs carried a 3-0 lead into the final inning, needing just three more outs to set up a date with the Milwaukee Brewers in the ALDS. Jackson Merrill started the inning off with a solo shot to right field, putting the game-tying runner in the on-deck circle.

Xander Bogaerts worked a 3-2 count and seemingly drew a walk with a pitch that was well low and out of the strike zone. But inexplicably, home plate umpire D.J. Reyburn rung up Bogaerts for strike three:

Ryan O’Hearn and Bryce Johnson were both hit by pitches to bring the go-ahead run to the plate. Jake Cronenworth

See Full Page