Why the Infield Fly Rule Wasn’t Called in Cubs-Brewers NLDS

One of the strangest moments in this year’s National League Division Series unfolded on a windy afternoon at Wrigley Field. What looked like a routine pop-up for the Chicago Cubs instead dropped untouched between three defenders, causing confusion, a brief managerial protest, and a scramble to clarify the rules.

This bizarre play didn’t just test the infield fly rule—it showed just how wild postseason baseball can get.

The Unlikely Pop-Up That Changed the Inning

The series had just shifted to Chicago for Game 3, and the Brewers needed some momentum. In the top of the inning, Milwaukee catcher William Contreras stepped in with one out and runners on first and second, facing Cubs starter Jameson Taillon.

Contreras, down 0-2, lofted a towering pop-up down the first-base line. Normally, that’s an automatic out under the infield fly rule if an infielder can handle it with ordinary effort.

But the wind was howling. It twisted the ball around, making it nearly impossible to track.

Cubs first baseman Michael Busch, second baseman Nico Hoerner, and Taillon all rushed over, but none of them found the ball in time.

Why the Infield Fly Wasn’t Called

The ball plopped onto the grass with nobody touching it. Both baserunners, Christian Yelich and Brice Turang, moved up safely, and Contreras reached first without a throw.

Fans and analysts immediately wondered: Why wasn’t the infield fly rule called?

Umpires Will Little and Lance Barksdale let the play roll. They later explained that the infield fly rule only kicks in when an infielder can make the catch with “ordinary effort.”

That judgment has to happen when the ball’s at its highest point. This time, the crew felt ordinary effort didn’t apply.

Umpire Supervisor Provides Clarification

After the game, umpire supervisor Larry Young backed up the call. He said, “Once it was obvious that no fielder could locate the ball due to the wind, ordinary effort went out the window.”

Nico Hoerner, who usually would’ve been right under that pop-up, agreed with the non-call after watching the replay. He admitted he and his teammates just weren’t in position for a routine catch when the ball came down.

The Cubs’ Response and Momentum Shift

Cubs manager Craig Counsell looked frustrated and had a brief word with the umpires. But since the rule was applied correctly, the call stood.

Even though the play kept the Brewers’ chances alive, the Cubs escaped the inning without giving up a run.

The Cubs bounced back right away in the bottom half, scoring to grab the momentum. They held on to win, tying the series and forcing a crucial Game 4.

Key Takeaways from the Play

Plays like this are why playoff baseball feels so unpredictable. Wind can totally change what counts as “ordinary effort.”

This pop-up showed just how tricky rule interpretation can get and why staying focused matters so much in October.

• Infield fly rule basics: It’s for infield pop-ups that an infielder can catch with routine positioning and normal weather.
• Judgment calls: Umpires have to decide instantly, without replay.
• Weather impact: Strong wind or bad visibility can make routine plays anything but routine.
• Postseason pressure: Every play gets magnified, and weird moments stick in your memory.

Looking Ahead

The Brewers missed a real chance to cash in with runners in scoring position. The Cubs, meanwhile, just shrugged and added another weird moment to their long list of playoff memories.

This series isn’t short on surprises. Both teams seem ready for whatever October baseball throws at them—be it a strange rule, a sudden downpour, or just some wild postseason luck.

Honestly, it’s moments like these that make October baseball so addictive. The mix of skill, strategy, and total chaos keeps people guessing—and arguing—long after the final out.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Cubs-Brewers NLDS Game 3: Here’s why the infield fly rule wasn’t called