In one of the most unusual moments of the 2025 MLB postseason, the Milwaukee Brewers pulled off an absolutely unexpected double play that abruptly extinguished the Los Angeles Dodgers’ offensive aspirations in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS)
With the bases loaded and one out in the top of the fourth inning, Max Muncy hit a deep drive that looked destined for a home run. The stadium held its breath, but what followed was a sequence as chaotic as it was brilliant that left players, fans and analysts alike speechless: an 8-6-2 double play that will go down in recent baseball history.
What happened in the play? This was the Brewers’ double play step by step
Confusion reigned for what seemed like an eternity at American Family Field as the play was reviewed. No one knew what had happened or what decision the umpires would make, whether it was a catch, a hit or a home run.
Max Muncy sent the ball 123 meters from the plate with an exit velocity of 167 km/h, straight to the center field wall. Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick jumped up and just barely touched the ball with his glove. It bounced off the top of the wall and fell back, but Frelick caught it on the rebound.
The right field umpire, Chad Fairchild, immediately indicated that it was not a valid catch, as the ball had touched the wall before being caught, as established in Rule 5.09(a)(1). In other words, it was a live ball and the runners had to advance, but the Dodgers did not react.
Teoscar Hernandez, who was running from third, hesitated between advancing or returning, this hesitation was lethal because Frelick threw to Joey Ortiz (SS), who assisted William Contreras (C) to force the out at the plate. In the midst of the chaos, Contreras ran to third base, where he retired Will Smith with another force out to send the crowd into a frenzy in the stands.
Why was it legal? The rule that turned into a double play
Although visually it looked like a spectacular catch, the contact with the wall nullified any possibility of an out. The play was still alive, but the Dodgers did not react quickly. Teoscar Hernandez made the most costly mistake by waiting before going home, while Will Smith did not even try to advance to third.
To add rarity, the play was officially recorded as a “ground ball” double play (8-6-2), a contradictory statistical tag, but technically correct for the type of force outs made. The Dodgers challenged both plays, but after video review, everything was confirmed.
Read the full article here
