WATCH: Highlights of Cubs-White Sox clash, including heated confrontation involving Joe West |
CHICAGO — Topping the rival Chicago White Sox (61-93) by a final score of 8-3, the Chicago Cubs (90-64) took an early lead on a two-run shot by shortstop Javier Baez in the first inning. Benefiting from a stellar bullpen performance, the Cubs tacked on three insurance runs in the ninth frame to win comfortably.
The most intense moment in the ballgame did not involve one of the many great baseball plays on display. Instead, a heated confrontation between White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson and crew chief Joe West stole the limelight. In the top of the ninth, Anderson suffered a throwing error that he seemed to blame on a slide made by Baez at second base in an attempt at breaking up a potential double play. While Anderson evidently thought that Baez's slide was in violation of the often-debated "Chase Utley rule," the umpires reviewed the slide and ruled that it was legal. Anderson grew steamed after the replay review and voiced his displeasure with West, who served as the second-base umpire on the night. West, who is known for having a short fuse, ejected Anderson over his chirping, and the fiery White Sox infielder went berserk. Having to be held back by his teammates and manager, Anderson attempted to confront West after getting thrown out and exited the field in a fury, with the contentious slide rule culminating in yet another controversy.
