Andrew McCutchen's Behavior Toward Umpire in Pirates-Padres Turns Heads
Things are not looking so good for Andrew McCutchen and the Pittsburgh Pirates. They are wallowing at the bottom of the National League Central Division with just a 21-37 record following their 3-2 loss to the San Diego Padres to open a three-game series at Petco Park in San Diego on Friday.
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What made the loss even more frustrating for the Pirates and their fans was their perceived poor job by the umpires in officiating the contest.
That was perhaps best summed up by the call the home plate umpire made in the bottom of the eighth inning.
With the Pirates trailing San Diego, 3-2, and the bases loaded, Pittsburgh Henry Davis stepped on the plate looking to at least drive in a run.
Davis battled San Diego closer Robert Suarez to a full count after five pitches. Suarez's sixth offering to Davis looked as though it went too low. Davis even started his motion toward first base. But the umpire ruled that he struck out looking to end the inning.
Following that call on Davis, veteran Pirates designated hitter Andrew McCutchen tried to stare down the home plate umpire, according to SportsNet Pittsburgh reporter Hannah Mears.
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The Pirates also shared the video of McCutchen's action.
Meanwhile, several fans online shared their thoughts on McCuthen's gesture as well.
"Cutch is badass. Doesn't do any good, but mad respect for the stare down with the plate ump.," said a fan on X.
Another one said: "Cutch with the death stare at the young pup 🐶 UMP said it all from Bucco fans.'
From a commenter: "McCutchen stared at the home plate ump the entire inning 🤣 [expletive] that ump.'
'This is why we love @TheCUTCH22,' a social media user commented.
Via a commenter: 'Cutch is badass. Doesn't do any good, but mad respect for the stare down with the plate ump.'
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Said another: 'andrew mccutchen staring down the umpire the entire half inning'
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen against the Diamondbacks at Chase Field.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Suarez finished the job for the Padres in the ninth inning, shutting the door on the Pirates by striking out Ke'Bryan Hayes and Adam Frazier before inducing Tommy Pham to ground out.
McCutchen went 2-for-4 in the game but did not score a run and had zero RBIs for the Pirates, who will look to get back at the Padres in the second game of the series this Saturday.
Related: MLB Makes Historic Paul Skenes Announcement on His 23rd Birthday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
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