MLB Umpire Mark Wegner Admits Forgetting Pitch Count in Red Sox-Astros Game

Veteran umpire acknowledged significant mistake in tracking the count during a key at-bat.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:07pm

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In Tuesday's game between the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros, veteran MLB umpire Mark Wegner admitted to losing track of the count during an at-bat by Astros outfielder Cam Smith. Wegner incorrectly signaled a 1-2 count when Smith should have been ruled out on a strikeout, allowing him to work a walk instead. Wegner took responsibility for the mistake after the game, saying he had never done that before and was not happy about it.

Why it matters

Umpire mistakes, especially on something as fundamental as the pitch count, can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game. This incident highlights the challenges umpires face in tracking every detail of a fast-paced baseball game and the importance of the new automated ball-strike (ABS) system, which could have caught Wegner's error.

The details

In the fifth inning, Astros outfielder Cam Smith should have struck out on a swing-and-miss, but Wegner incorrectly signaled a 1-2 count. Smith then went on to work a walk, despite only taking three balls. The mistake did not directly impact the final score, as the Astros won 9-2, but it raised questions about umpire accountability and the need for improved technology to assist officials.

  • The incident occurred in the fifth inning of Tuesday's game between the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros.
  • Wegner acknowledged the mistake after the game in his postgame comments.

The players

Mark Wegner

A veteran MLB umpire working his 29th major league season, who was serving as the crew chief for Tuesday's game. Wegner has umpired in three World Series, two All-Star Games, and three World Baseball Classics.

Cam Smith

Houston Astros outfielder who was incorrectly granted a walk in the fifth inning due to Wegner's mistake in tracking the pitch count.

Brayan Bello

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher, who was unaware of Wegner's mistake in the fifth inning.

Alex Cora

Boston Red Sox manager, who did not challenge or question Wegner's incorrect call on the pitch count.

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What they’re saying

“I just watched the video. I somehow didn't count the second swinging one because I said the count was 1-2. It was actually strike three... I've never done that before. I'm not happy about it. Just made a mistake.”

— Mark Wegner, MLB Umpire

“I thought the first pitch was a strike, and I thought that he swung at the second pitch. None of that took me out of my focus in that inning. I tried to get out of that inning, and it didn't happen.”

— Brayan Bello, Boston Red Sox Pitcher

What’s next

The MLB Umpires Association is expected to review Wegner's mistake and determine if any disciplinary action is warranted. The incident may also renew calls for expanded use of technology to assist umpires in tracking key game details like the pitch count.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges MLB umpires face in maintaining perfect focus and attention to detail throughout a fast-paced game. While mistakes are inevitable, Wegner's candid admission and the lack of in-game correction underscore the need for improved umpire accountability and technological support to ensure the integrity of the game.