Brewers Execute Unconventional Double Play in NLCS Game 1 Against Dodgers
Milwaukee Brewers turn a 404-foot fly ball into a double play during a bases-loaded situation in NLCS Game 1, highlighting a rare application of MLB rules.
In Game 1 of the National League Championship Series on Monday night, the Milwaukee Brewers executed an unconventional double play to escape a bases-loaded jam against the Los Angeles Dodgers. With one out and the bases loaded, Dodgers' batter Max Muncy hit a deep fly ball to center field. Brewers' center fielder Sal Frelick leaped for the catch, but the ball deflected off his glove, hit the wall, and then landed back in his glove. Left field umpire Chad Fairchild signaled "no catch," indicating the ball was in play.
The Dodgers' baserunners hesitated, uncertain of the play's outcome. This allowed the Brewers to make a force out at home plate, followed by another at third base, ending the inning without allowing a run. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented on the play, stating, "It happened fast. I didn't know he didn't catch it, to be quite honest. We go over that rule. Teo knows the rule. I think right there he had just a little bit of a brain fart, appreciating that when it does hit the glove you can tag there. But then he tagged, did it correctly, then saw he didn't catch it, he went back. That was the mistake. But he owned it. And after that there's nothing else you can do about it."
The play was officially recorded as an 8-6-2 double play. According to MLB Rule 5.09(a)(1), a catch is only valid if the fielder secures the ball in flight and firmly holds it without the ball touching the wall or ground. Since the ball hit the wall before Frelick secured it, the play was ruled a live ball, necessitating the baserunners to advance.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy reflected on the play, saying, "Sal caught it, then it touched the wall. A baserunner got confused, and we got it in as quickly as possible, made the play at the plate. And heads-up, William got the out at third. I mean, it's very unusual. It's tough for the baserunner to figure out what happened, but it's one of those plays in baseball. We got very fortunate there."
Despite this defensive highlight, the Dodgers secured a 2-1 victory in Game 1. Historically, teams winning the first game in a best-of-seven series have a 65% chance of winning the series.
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