Overview: A Historic Ending in Game 1
In a dramatic NLCS opener at Milwaukee, the Los Angeles Dodgers nearly launched a monstrous inning courtesy of slugger Max Muncy. With the bases loaded and one out in the top of the fourth, a potential grand slam turned into one of the most unusual double plays in postseason history. The Dodgers edged the Milwaukee Brewers 2-1, thanks to a sequence that showcased sharp fielding, quick thinking, and a dash of misfortune.
The Play That Turned the Script
Muncy lined a 404-foot drive toward center that, in the moment, felt like a slam to put Los Angeles on the board. Sal Frelick rose to the wall and attempted a leaping grab, but the ball popped out and skimmed the top of the fence before descending to the field. Was it a catch? Not quite. The ball remained live off the wall as Dodgers’ runners assumed it hadn’t been caught on the fly.
Center fielder Frelick recovered quickly and threw to shortstop Joey Ortiz, who relayed to catcher William Contreras. A quick-thinking Contreras tagged the plate with his right foot, seeking a force at home rather than a tag that would have been needed if the ball hadn’t touched the wall. Teoscar Hernández slid across in the process, forced out by Contreras’ tag and preserving the inning-ending play still in motion.
How the 8-6-2 Double Play Was Executed
After Contreras’ force at home, he advanced toward third to force out Smith, who had retreated to second base thinking Frelick had caught the ball cleanly. The play quickly unfolded into an extraordinary sequence:
- Contreras cuts down Hernández at home on the initial force.
- Contreras then throws to second to force out Smith, preserving the double play.
- The inning officially ends with the Dodgers turning an 8-6-2 forceout double play, as Smith is forced at second and Hernández is out at home.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised the situation’s execution, noting the importance of recognizing the live ball after it struck the wall and capitalizing on the force play to end the inning.
Manager and Player Reactions
Roberts described the moment as a learning experience and commended Contreras for recognizing the live ball quickly. “Teo knows the rule. I think right there he had just a little bit of a brain fart,” Roberts said, highlighting how awareness and timing are crucial in real-time postseason baseball. Contreras acknowledged the crowd and the play’s complexity, emphasizing that the team stayed composed and followed through on the necessary forceouts.
Max Muncy, who would have enjoyed a grand slam, characterized the moment with humor and realism: “It’s definitely the worst fielder’s choice/double play I’ve ever hit in my life.” The sequence proved that even near-misses can define a playoff game, especially when a ball bounces off the wall and creates multiple live baserunners.
Statistical Significance and Postseason Context
Beyond the drama, the play marked a rare postseason feat. The 404-foot batted ball is one of the longest to trigger an inning-ending double play since Statcast began tracking in 2015. The Elias Sports Bureau notes that an 8-6-2 double play in the postseason hasn’t occurred in 35 years, underscoring how unusual that ending was for a game with a 2-1 final score.
While the Dodgers held a narrow lead, the Brewers fought hard in a tight matchup, leaving fans buzzing about what could come next in the series. The unique play didn’t just affect the inning; it framed the narrative for the rest of Game 1 and set the tone for a series anticipated to be closely contested.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for NLCS Game 2
With the series now shifting to Milwaukee, both teams will study the tape from the wild double play. The Dodgers will aim to sustain their pitching and rely on timely offense, while the Brewers will look to capitalize on any opportunities against a potent Dodgers lineup. As NLCS history shows, a single, bizarre moment can influence momentum, but sustained execution over multiple games is what ultimately wins playoff series.
