The Chicago White Sox lost a game they probably shouldn't have on Thursday afternoon. They dropped a game to the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-9 in a crazy ball game. However, it was one particular moment that has the whole baseball world talking. Let's set the scene.
It was the top of the 6th inning with Chicago trailing 7-5. Freddie Freeman was on second base with two outs. White Sox manager Tony La Russa intentionally walked Trea Turner to get to Max Muncy. The problem is that the count was 1-2 when he made that decision.
Muncy proceeded to hit a three-run home run, making La Russa look like a fool.
Tony La Russa intentionally walked Trea Turner on a 1-2 count and then gave up a home to Max Muncy the next at bat LMFAOOOOO he’s lost his mind pic.twitter.com/UzEaR4HQFx
— Addison (@YankeeWRLD) June 9, 2022
Tony La Russa decided to intentionally walk a batter with two strikes on him so Max Muncy could hit a three run home run.
This team has NO CHANCE to win anything of significance with him in the dugout. None.
— Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) June 9, 2022
Tony La Russa intentionally walked Trea Turner on a 1-2 count to get to Max Muncy and Max responded by hitting a 3-run "F U" home run.
"F'n disrespectful" -Max Muncy
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) June 9, 2022
tony la russa is the worst manager in baseball
— matthew ritchie (@mkrwrt) June 9, 2022
Not only did the decision backfire, but it was unforeseen.
According to @ESPNStatsInfo, Trea Turner's IBB in the 6th inning today was the first 2-strike IBB of the season. (count was 1-2) There were 2 last season — both like today — came after first base opened up due to a steal or wild pitch.
Max Muncy followed with a 3 run HR
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) June 9, 2022
According to ESPN Stats & Info, Turner's intentional walk was the first with two strikes this year. The decision ultimately cost them the game. The White Sox would battle back, but lost by two runs.
Tony La Russa is considered one of the best managers in the history of baseball. But there have been a number of decisions made this year that did not go well for Chicago. White Sox fans have clearly wondered whether or not the game has passed him by. He is 77 years old after all.
The White Sox allowed six unearned runs earlier in the game. Jake Burger committed a throwing error that allowed the Dodgers to score six runs off of Dylan Cease, who was the unlucky loser.
Chicago dropped to 26-29 and are 5.5 games behind the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central division.