Unforgettable Double Play: Brewers Shock Dodgers and Fans in Thrilling NLCS Game 1

Even if the Los Angeles Dodgers or the Milwaukee Brewers don’t win the World Series this year, their playoff moment will be remembered for years. In Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, the Brewers pulled off one of the most surprising double plays in postseason history after a dramatic 404-foot fly ball.

Max Muncy of the Dodgers hit a fly ball that seemed destined for a home run but turned into chaos instead. Brewers center fielder Sal Frelick, charging from right-center, nearly made a fantastic catch but the ball slipped off his glove. Instead of rolling away, it fell right back to Frelick. Dodgers runners, thinking it was a catch, froze.

Frelick quickly relayed the ball to shortstop Joey Ortiz, who made an impressive throw to home plate to tag out Teoscar Hernández. Then Ortiz casually tossed the ball to third base to catch Will Smith, ending the inning with a bizarre 8-6-2 double play—often called the worst fielder’s choice.

“Sal is one of the smartest players around,” said Brewers manager Pat Murphy. Still, he was frustrated about not making the catch; had he made it, the runner would’ve easily scored.

This play sparked confusion for both teams. Umpires were quick to signal that Frelick didn’t catch the ball, a call that proved accurate upon review. Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts praised the umpires for getting it right, showcasing how crucial effective communication is in playoff games.

Interestingly, the occurrence of double plays like this is rare in playoffs. According to research by MLB.com, this was the first recorded 8-6-2 double play in at least the past 35 postseasons. The last time such a play happened in a regular season was back in 2004.

Players like Muncy later expressed their astonishment. “I thought we’d at least get a run,” he said, reflecting disbelief about how the situation unraveled. Effective base running and awareness plays a vital role in these scenarios, as noted by Roberts, who emphasized the importance of understanding MLB rules.

As the game progresses, moments like these showcase not just the unpredictability of sports, but the unique blend of skill, strategy, and sometimes a bit of luck that makes baseball compelling.

For more insights on MLB rules and historical plays, you can check the MLB Official Website.

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Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB