WATCH: Loud thunder clap causes bizarre balk that scores run in minor league game

A loud clap of thunder caused what might be a first in baseball history — a minor league pitcher allowing a run-scoring balk because of the weather.

It occurred during a game between the Baltimore Orioles’ Triple-A affiliate Norfolk Tides and the Miami Marlins’ Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp at Vystar Ballpark.

While Tides pitcher Roansy Contreras was going into his delivery with Jumbo Shrimp’s Graham Pauley at the plate, a startling clap of thunder caused Contreras to stop and move off the mound.

Alright… we don't even know what to say about this. Mother nature and the @JaxShrimp are in cahoots!#SCNotTop10 pic.twitter.com/TZjMZh6ymq

— Norfolk Tides (@NorfolkTides) July 8, 2025

Because of that, Jakob Marsee, who had stolen third base on the previous pitch, was awarded home plate.

As MLB.com’s Manny Randhawa points out, Tides manager Tim Federowicz argued the balk call with the home plate umpire, but to no avail.

Despite the unusual run-scoring balk, the Tides went on to win the game 9-5.

By Matt Higgins

Matt Higgins worked in national and local news for 15 years. He started out as an overnight production assistant ... More about Matt Higgins