Red Sox Manager Cora Criticizes Umpire Bucknor After Loss to Reds

Cora was ejected for arguing a controversial strikeout call in the 8th inning.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora criticized home plate umpire C.B. Bucknor's performance during the team's 6-5 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday. Cora was ejected for arguing after Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story struck out to end the 8th inning, with Cora believing Story had checked his swing. Cora said Bucknor 'wasn't his best' and failed to ask for help from the first base umpire on the close call.

Why it matters

Umpire performance and controversial calls are an ongoing source of debate in Major League Baseball, with managers and players frequently voicing frustration over perceived missed or incorrect calls. Cora's criticism of Bucknor highlights the pressure umpires face and the impact their decisions can have on the outcome of close games.

The details

In the 8th inning with the Red Sox down 5-4 and two runners on base, Trevor Story struck out swinging to end the inning. Cora argued that Story had checked his swing, but Bucknor made the strikeout call without asking the first base umpire for help. Cora was then ejected for his continued arguing over the call.

  • The incident occurred in the 8th inning of the Red Sox-Reds game on Saturday, March 29, 2026.

The players

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox.

C.B. Bucknor

The home plate umpire for the Red Sox-Reds game.

Trevor Story

The Boston Red Sox shortstop who struck out to end the 8th inning.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He has one job to do, call balls and both on strikes. It wasn't his best day, you know, and that's what the system does, you know? He's out there, everybody sees it, and he'll be the first one to accept it. I saw him putting his head down after one of the challenges, and real human. You know, it's not easy, what we do and what he does...”

— Alex Cora, Boston Red Sox Manager

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges and scrutiny faced by MLB umpires, whose split-second calls can have a major impact on the outcome of close games. While Cora acknowledged Bucknor's humanity, his criticism underscores the pressure on umpires to make consistently accurate rulings, even in high-pressure situations.