The Unbelievable Double Play that Had Everyone Scratching Their Heads!
In a heart-stopping moment during Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, a near-catch by Sal Frelick sparked chaos and an extraordinary double play. This play, a true head-scratcher, left fans and players alike in a state of confusion.
As the fourth inning unfolded in Milwaukee's narrow 2-1 loss to the Dodgers, an improbable sequence of events began. With the bases loaded and one out, Max Muncy sent a powerful cutter deep into center field. Frelick, the Brewers' center fielder, gave chase, sprinting back and to his right, attempting a leaping catch. The ball made contact with his glove but bounced out, hitting the padded wall.
Here's where it gets controversial: the left-field umpire, Chad Fairchild, immediately signaled 'safe,' indicating that no out was recorded. But here's the twist: Frelick, quick on his feet, caught the deflected ball and threw it to shortstop Joey Ortiz, who relayed it to catcher William Contreras at home plate. A chaotic chain of events unfolded, with runners advancing and retreating, unsure of the situation.
Teoscar Hernández, initially tagging up at third base, hesitated, leading to his late arrival at home plate. Contreras, alert and agile, caught the ball and stepped on home for the second out of the inning. Meanwhile, Will Smith and Tommy Edman, on second and first base respectively, began to advance but quickly retreated, adding to the confusion.
Muncy, seemingly uncertain if Frelick had completed the catch, ran through first base. Contreras, noticing the chaos, jogged up the third-base line and stepped on the base, forcing Smith out and ending the inning.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts sought clarification, and the umpiring crew discussed the sequence. The initial call by Fairchild indicated that Frelick's catch was not recognized. Instead of a hit, Muncy had hit into an unusual 8-6-2 twin killing.
The Dodgers officially challenged the force plays at home and third base, ensuring accuracy. After a thorough review, the on-field rulings were confirmed.
If the ball had cleared the fence and Frelick's glove, the Dodgers would have had an 88% chance of winning. However, the Brewers found themselves with a 56% win probability. The play's oddity didn't end there; the deep fly, with an exit velocity of 104 mph, was classified as a fielder's choice 'groundout' due to the forced outs.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, there hasn't been an 8-6-2 double play in the postseason for at least 35 years. To find the last such play in a regular-season game, we must go back to April 16, 2004, at Wrigley Field.
This extraordinary play showcases the beauty of baseball's unpredictability and the split-second decisions that can shape a game's outcome. It's a reminder that in the world of sports, sometimes the unexpected happens, leaving us all in awe and eager for more.
