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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Andrew Joseph

The Padres’ Jake Cronenworth couldn’t believe it after umpire Ryan Wills blocked him from second base

Jake Cronenworth Padres Dansby Swanson Cubs

The San Diego Padres have been one of the biggest disappointments so far this season. But even when it isn’t their fault, the game finds a way to go against the Padres.

During the third inning of Sunday’s game against the Cubs — with the Padres already down six runs — Dansby Swanson seemingly had to make a tough play and retire Jake Cronenworth at second base to end the inning. But the play ended up being way easier for the Cubs shortstop than he probably anticipated.

That was because he got an assist from second base umpire Ryan Wills in the process.

As Cronenworth made his way to second, Wills appeared to be standing right in the base path, essentially blocking Cronenworth from reaching the bag before the inning-ending throw.

The play itself likely wasn’t going to change the game. After all, the Padres were already down big, and Swanson possibly would have gotten Ha-Seong Kim out at first if he threw there instead. Yet, Wills’ poor positioning and subsequent reaction had to be frustrating for the Padres. Wills gestured and spoke to Cronenworth as if it was the baserunner’s fault for running into the umpire. Wills was the one in the way.

Cronenworth could only stand there in disbelief as the inning came to a close. There’s no reason for an umpire to get set up inside the base path.

This was how Twitter reacted

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