MLB Ejection 035 - Dan Merzel (2; Craig Counsell)

1B Umpire Dan Merzel ejected Cubs manager Craig Counsell (ABS challenge denial/check swing/strike 3 call; QOCY) in the top of the 9th inning of the #Cubs-#Pirates game. With none out and two on, Cubs batter Kevin Alcántara attempted to check his swing on a 3-2 slider from Pirates pitcher Dennis Santana, called a third strike by HP Umpire Shane Livensparger. As the batter immediately requested an ABS challenge by tapping his helmet, 1B Umpire Merzel ruled that the batter had swung at the pitch, resulting in denial of the challenge as the swinging strike call superseded the pitch location call. Replays indicate the pitch was located over the inner half of home plate and thigh-high (px -0.39, pz 2.12 [sz_bot 1.75]), the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 12-1. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 12-1.

This is Dan Merzel (3)'s 2nd ejection of 2026.

*The call is deemed QOCY/correct due to the pitch location measurement confirming the strike call.

This is the 35th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.

This is the 22nd manager ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 22 Managers, 5 Coaches, 8 Players.

This is Chicago's 1st ejection of 2026, 1st in the NL Central (PIT 4; CHC, CIN 1; MIL, STL 0).

This is Craig Counsell's 1st ejection since August 28, 2025 (David Rackley; QOC = Y [Balls/Strikes]).

This is Dan Merzel's 2nd ejection of 2026, 1st since April 7 (John Schneider; QOC = Y [Balk]).

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates, 5/26/26 | Video as follows:

MLB Ejection 034 - Dan Bellino (1; Don Kelly)

3B Umpire Dan Bellino ejected Pirates manager Don Kelly (Replay Review 'call stands' decision on HBP challenge; QOCY) in the bottom of the 2nd inning of the #Cubs-#Pirates game. With one out and one on, Pirates batter Konnor Griffin took a 0-0 sinker from Cubs pitcher Ben Brown for a called first ball, ruled no HBP by HP Umpire Mark Ripperger and upheld upon Replay Review as the result of a manager's challenge by Pirates manager Kelly. Replays do not provide clear and convincing evidence to conclusively suggest the call should be confirmed or overturned, the call was correct.* At the time of the ejection, the game was tied, 0-0. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 2-1.

This is Dan Bellino (2)'s 1st ejection of 2026.

*The Replay Official's "call stands" ruling is the QOC for this ejection.

This is the 34th ejection report of the 2026 MLB regular season.

This is the 21st manager ejection of 2026. Ejection Tally: 21 Managers, 5 Coaches, 8 Players.

This is Pittsburgh's 4th ejection of 2026, 1st in the NL Central (PIT 4; CIN 1; CHC, MIL, STL 0).

This is Don Kelly's 3rd ejection of 2026, 1st since May 23 (Alan Porter; QOC = U [Check Swing]).

This is Dan Bellino's 1st ejection since Sept 3, 2025 (Bob Melvin; QOC = N [Balls/Strikes]).

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates, 5/25/26 | Video as follows: