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Braxton Ashcraft frustrated by balk call in Pirates' game against Padres

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 5:03 PM

Last updated Aug 25, 2026

Braxton Ashcraft frustrated by balk call in Pirates' game against Padres

Summary

Braxton Ashcraft expressed frustration over a controversial balk call during the Pirates' 2-1 victory against the Padres on August 24, 2026. The incident occurred in the sixth inning, where a run was allowed after the umpire ruled a balk following a play that ended Ashcraft's six-inning no-run outing. Ashcraft stated that he declared his choice to pitch from the windup but forgot to do so for the subsequent batter, leading to confusion over the rule. The Pirates remain 7.5 games back in the Wild Card standings and 18 games out in the NL Central.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Braxton Ashcraft pitched six scoreless innings against the Padres.
•A balk call allowed a run, making the score 2-1 in the sixth inning.
•The Pirates won the game 2-1 in the 12th inning.
•The team is currently 7.5 games back in the Wild Card race.
•Ashcraft called the balk rule the 'dumbest rule in baseball'.

Latest Updates

5:03 PMYahoo Sports — Pirates' Braxton Ashcraft Frustrated With Balk Call: 'Dumbest Rule in Baseball'

What they're saying

"
Though the Pirates beat the Padres, a frustrated Braxton Ashcraft expressed his thoughts on a bizarre balk call that affected the game.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Pittsburgh Pirates San Diego Padres MLB Baseball