Dodgers Video: Alex Wood Commits Odd Balk Against Phillies

With the Los Angeles Dodgers beginning a six-game road trip Tuesday in Philadelphia, it marked Jimmy Rollins’ first visit to Citizens Bank Park since being traded during the offseason. Additionally, it was also Alex Wood’s debut with the Dodgers, one game after the same held true for Mat Latos.

Wood kept the Phillies off the board until the third inning when Odubel Herrera’s RBI double in the third inning put the Dodgers in a 1-0 deficit. Andre Ethier tied the game in the fifth and the score remained knotted at 1-1 heading into the bottom of the seventh.

After a Carlos Ruiz leadoff single, Domonic Brown hit a slow roller to second base. Howie Kendrick attempted to tag Ruiz, who retreated toward first base, causing Kendrick to throw over to Adrian Gonzalez. While an out was recorded, Ruiz beat Gonzalez’s throw down to second base.

Cesar Hernandez was intentionally walked, bringing Herrera to the plate with two on and one out. Both runners then advanced on a balk as the ball slipped from Wood’s grip and rolled toward the Phillies dugout. There was immediate confusion, which Ruiz momentarily took advantage of by rounding third and crossing home plate.

Ruiz was eventually sent back to third and Herrera drew a walk to load the bases. Joel Peralta relieved Wood and promptly gave up a grand slam that proved to be the difference.