it was probably a strike, but if the umpire hasn't been giving the high strike and the batter does a good job of selling it, it's certainly an understandable call. macha set this up to happen by walking soto. i hate the move of walking the bases loaded there unless you're getting a big difference between the two hitters. i'd rather not have a force out (plus it's geo running, you can probably throw him out at first on an IF ground ball) than walk the bases loaded and lose the game on a walk or HBP.