In a remarkable moment during Game 1 of the NLCS, the Milwaukee Brewers executed an unprecedented double play that left players, commentators, and fans alike trying to grasp what had just happened. The unusual play unfolded against the Los Angeles Dodgers, showcasing a rare combination of athleticism, quick thinking, and a touch of chaos.
The highlighted moment involved Brewers center fielder Sal Frelick, who bobbled and then controlled Max Muncy’s powerful fly ball off the center-field wall. Demonstrating impressive awareness and skill, Frelick made a precise throw to shortstop Joey Ortiz, who then relayed it to catcher William Contreras. This series of events resulted in a forced out of Teoscar Hernández at home plate, as well as another out on Will Smith at third base, officially scoring as an 8-6-2 double play.
Brian Anderson, the TNT broadcaster on duty, faced the challenge of narrating a play that not even he had witnessed in his 32 years of calling baseball games. “It’s a play that we’ve never actually seen before,” he shared with Sports Business Journal, reflecting on the complexity of the moment. Despite this, Anderson managed to capture the frenzy adequately, as the crowd watched in astonishment.
During the play, confusion reigned on the bases—particularly for Dodgers’ baserunners. Muncy was not out because Frelick had bobbled the ball before catching it, leading Smith to make a crucial misjudgment by returning to second base instead of advancing to third, resulting in the out at the home plate.
Hernández was candid about his role in the chaos, admitting, “I just f***ed it up. It’s that simple.” He acknowledged that, despite knowing the right decision, the overwhelming nature of the moment led him to make a costly mistake.
The event not only left commentators and viewers trying to piece together the series of actions but also stumped official scorers. They described the play simply as “Max Muncy grounds into a double play,” highlighting the exceptional nature of a play where a ball soaring 404 feet ended the inning without hitting the ground.
While the Brewers didn’t win that game, the double play undoubtedly etched a moment in baseball lore, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the sport. This play serves as a testament to the quick thinking and prowess of Frelick, Ortiz, and Contreras, who managed to turn chaos into a perfectly executed defensive play against a high-stakes backdrop.