Smoak Gets Ejected in the 12th inning, A Breakdown

Justin Smoak of the Toronto Blue Jays steps to the plate in the bottom of the 12th inning, with the bases loaded and his team trailing by one run. The count is 3-0 as the opposing pitcher struggles to find the strike zone. The next pitch is called a strike, much to Smoak's dismay. He makes a face, expressing his disagreement with the umpire's call. On the very next pitch, Smoak feels the need to protect the zone, as the count goes to 3-2. He reacts by kissing his bat, seemingly frustrated with the umpire's strike zone. Smoak believes he should have been awarded a walk, which would have tied the game, but instead, he is rung up for the strikeout. Furious, Smoak exclaims, "That ball is up in the [expletive] zone!" and follows it with an unidentifiable comment, before declaring, "We're out of here!" Smoak's manager, Charlie Montoyo, quickly rushes out of the dugout to defend his player, as Smoak is ejected from the game. The replay shows the disputed pitch was indeed high, but the umpire deemed it a strike. Smoak's reaction, while understandable given the high-stakes situation and the close call, ultimately leads to his ejection, leaving the Blue Jays without their veteran first baseman for the remainder of the extra-inning game. The Blue Jays and their fans are left frustrated, as Smoak's ejection could have a significant impact on the outcome of the game. The rivalry between the two teams adds to the intensity of the moment, with both sides desperate to gain the upper hand in a tightly contested extra-inning affair.