Brewers Turn Dodgers’ Max Muncy’s Potential Grand Slam into a Spectacular Double Play in NLCS

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Max Muncy was close to hitting a grand slam for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. Instead, his 404-foot drive led to one of the most unusual plays in postseason history during the fourth inning on Monday night.

“It’s definitely the worst fielder’s choice/double play I’ve ever hit,” Muncy said after the Dodgers won 2-1 against the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1.

Here’s how it unfolded. With the bases loaded and one out, Muncy launched a long fly to center field. Sal Frelick jumped to catch it but ended up losing the ball. It hit the top of the fence and then bounced back into Frelick’s glove. Muncy was still in play since the ball had touched the wall, but the Dodgers’ runners were confused and returned to their bases, thinking Frelick had made the catch.

“I didn’t see it hit the wall,” said Will Smith, who was on second base. “I thought he had caught it.”

Frelick quickly tossed the ball to shortstop Joey Ortiz, who then sent it to catcher William Contreras. Aware a force play was still in effect, Contreras skillfully caught the ball while keeping his foot on home plate. This move was crucial as it allowed him to force out Teoscar Hernández, who had hesitated at third.

“He knows the rule, but I think he had a little lapse there,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He went back thinking it was a catch and then realized it wasn’t. He owned it, though.”

After getting the out at home, Contreras sprinted to third to force out Smith, who had also returned to his base too soon. “Once it hit the wall, it was live,” Contreras explained. “The guys executed perfectly to finish that play.”

Frelick, meanwhile, looked puzzled, arms raised as if to say, “What just happened?”

The Dodgers issued a challenge on the play, but a review confirmed the two force outs at home and third, leading to a rare 8-6-2 double play.

This play was significant, marking the second-longest projected distance for a double play since Statcast tracking began in 2015. It was also the first 8-6-2 double play in postseason play in the last 35 years, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The last recorded 8-6-2 double play in a regular season involved Sammy Sosa hitting to Ken Griffey Jr. in 2004.

As these moments unfold, they highlight the game’s unpredictability and the importance of quick thinking under pressure. The players’ reactions were not just about the play itself but also reflected how the game can change in an instant.

For more on baseball plays and statistics, check out the AP MLB coverage here.

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