The Wichita Wingnuts, a team in the independent American Association, lost in heartbreaking fashion Monday night after thinking they had won their second-ever championship.
Leading 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth, Wichita closer Ryan Kussmaul induced what appeared to be the series-clinching play when Winnipeg Goldeyes second baseman Casey Turgeon grounded out to third. However, home-plate umpire Joe Stegner had called a balk on Kussmaul, and it wasn't until after the Wingnuts started celebrating that they realized glory was not yet theirs.
Turgeon tied things up on a two-out double, and the Goldeyes went on to win the game 4-3 in 17 innings to force a decisive Game 5 on Tuesday night.
"I would be throwing up. I feel for them," Goldeyes manager Rick Forney told Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press postgame. "It's unfortunate. It can be tough."