You won't believe what happened in Game 1 of the NLCS! The Milwaukee Brewers pulled off a play so rare, it's etched its place in MLB postseason history: an 8-6-2 double play against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This unbelievable sequence of events left fans, players, and even the announcers in disbelief. Let's break down how this historic moment unfolded.
The scene was set in the fourth inning with the game still scoreless and the bases loaded, one out. Dodgers' Max Muncy stepped up to the plate and launched a deep fly ball to center field. Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick raced to the ball, leaping for the catch. However, the ball bounced off his glove, then the wall, and back into his glove.
Now, here's where things get interesting. Muncy wasn't out because the ball hit the wall, but the Dodgers' runners seemingly assumed it was caught, tagging up instead of advancing.
Teoscar Hernandez, headed back to third base, then bolted for home as Frelick relayed the ball to shortstop Joey Ortiz, who fired a perfect strike to catcher William Contreras, forcing Hernandez out at the plate. Contreras then tagged third base, getting the force out on Will Smith, who had retreated to second.
The play was officially scored as a double play, with Muncy grounding out, due to force plays at two different bases. Even more incredible? According to ESPN Research, Muncy's hit would have been a home run in nine different ballparks, including Dodger Stadium!
As the chaos unfolded, Frelick stood with a bewildered expression, seemingly asking, 'What just happened?!' Dodgers manager Dave Roberts challenged the call, but the outs stood, ending the inning. The Dodgers ultimately won the game 2-1, but this play will be remembered.
But here's where it gets controversial... This type of play is exceptionally rare. The most recent 8-6-2 double play in the regular season involved a ball hit by Sammy Sosa in April 2004.
What do you think about this unusual play? Was it the right call? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Did you see this play live? What was your reaction? Let's discuss!
