It happened in the bottom of the seventh with runners on first and second with one out and the Royals holding a 4-3 lead. With the count 2-2, Torkelson held back on an 89 mph changeup down and away on the edge of the strike zone. It may have been a bit low, but Royals catcher Salvador Perez framed it well, and home plate umpire Will Little called strike three. To say that Torkelson was not happy was an understatement.
DISCLAIMER: Inappropriate language is used in this video. Do not let the kids watch.
Spencer Torkelson was not happy 😳 pic.twitter.com/oNyH2pLwSN
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 20, 2023
"OH MY ******* GOD. (WHAT) THE **** ARE YOU LOOKING AT?"
Torkelson was clearly frustrated as he walked back to the dugout. It was his second strikeout of the game as he finished 0-for-4.
From our standpoint, it was not an egregious call by Little, as the ball seemed to be right outside the edge of the strike zone. We will give credit to Little for showing restraint and not reacting to Torkelson's outburst. Some umpires eject players from the game for a lot less than that.
Things worked out for the Tigers, however, as Kerry Carpenter came up next and homered to right field, which turned out to be the deciding play of the game as the Tigers came away with a 6-4 victory.
As for Torkelson, hopefully he can put this one behind him and move on to the next one. It should be easier now that the Tigers won the game.
