There's no doubt that the controversial call during Xander Bogaerts' ninth-inning at-bat changed everything in the closing minutes of Game 3 between the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres Thursday night.
After Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill cracked a solo home run to pull his team within two at 3-1, a full-count pitch from Brad Keller to Xander Bogaerts missed low (at least according to the on-screen strike zone) but was called strike three by home plate umpire D.J. Reyburn for the first out of the inning.
Padres' Xander Bogaerts restrained in heated exchange with umpires
Bogaerts was irate over the call and San Diego manager Mike Schildt ran out to defend his veteran star.