Why MLB teams are intentionally balking in extra innings

It’s the most bizarre sight to see in a Major League Baseball game: A pitcher on the mound intentionally committing a balk to send a runner on second to third.

How does that make sense? We’ll dive into it in a sec.

There are two instances of this that we’ve seen recently. Corey Knebel did it last month with the Los Angeles Dodgers up 3-1 over the San Diego Padres in the 15th inning, sending the runner on second to third.

On Monday, the Tampa Bay Rays were up 11-9 in the 10th inning and Collin McHugh balked to send the runner on second that started there in extras to third.

You see the pattern, right? It’s happening in extra innings and it’s with a man on second and at least a two-run lead. Let’s break it down: