When Sal Frelick, center fielder of Milwaukee Brewers sprinted toward a 404‑foot drive by Max Muncy, the stadium held its breath. It was the top of the fourth inning, one out, and the Los Angeles Dodgers were poised to turn a routine hit into a potential rally. What happened next has already been called one of the most bizarre defensive sequences in postseason history.
The Play That Shocked the NLCS
At precisely 7:08:42 PM CDT, the ball glanced off Frelick’s glove and bounced toward the infield. Instead of a routine catch, the Brewers executed the first ever 8‑6‑2 double play in MLB playoff history. The chain began with Frelick (the “8”), who, after the ricochet, launched a perfect throw to shortstop Joey Ortiz (the “6”). Ortiz, already renowned for his slick relay work, immediately fired to second‑baseman Brice Turang (the “2”), who stepped on the bag before Dodgers catcher Will Smith could recover. The result: two crucial outs and a stalled Dodgers momentum.
How the Double Play Unfolded
Breaking the action down shot‑by‑shot helps illustrate why the play was so rare.
- Pitcher Quinn Priester delivered a 91.6 mph cutter with 2,292 rpm spin. Muncy hammered it back at 104 mph and a 32° launch angle.
- Frelick chased the ball, appearing to make a leaping catch. The ball clipped his glove and spun toward the shortstop side.
- Ortiz, positioned shallow, secured the relay and, without hesitating, fired to Turang.
- Turang’s foot hit the bag just as Smith, who had been jogging toward third instead of sprinting, arrived. The umpire called Smith out at third, then Ortiz tagged the runner advancing from first, Teoscar Hernández, between second and third for the second out.
Dodgers’ baserunning blunder—Hernández’s delayed advance and Smith’s lazy jog—gave the Brewers the split‑second margin they needed. As analyst Todd Frazier quipped, "It was a perfect relay on a perfect mistake."
Reactions from Players and Analysts
Within minutes, the broadcast booth was buzzing. Scott Braun, host of Foul Territory, said, "I’ve called playoff baseball for 19 years and I’ve never seen anything like that play." Former third‑baseman Todd Frazier called the sequence "a textbook example of heads‑up defense". Even Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell admitted, "When that happened, you just realize you’re looking at a game‑changing moment."
On the Dodgers’ side, manager Dave Roberts defended his decision to pull Snell in the ninth inning, arguing the move was necessary to protect a narrow lead. Former catcher Erik Kratz disagreed, noting the bullpen’s "cracks" were already exposed.
Impact on the Series
The game ended 2‑1 in favor of the Dodgers, thanks to a solo homer from Freddie Freeman. Still, the Brewers’ defensive gem kept the series from blowing out early. With the Dodgers holding a 1‑0 lead heading into Game 2, both clubs now face a pivotal crossroads: the Brewers must capitalize on their momentum, while the Dodgers must tighten up baserunning and bullpen reliability.
- Score: Dodgers 2, Brewers 1
- Key stats: Snell 8 innings, 10 K; Frelick 2‑3, .275 career avg; Ortiz 1‑0 fielding
- Temperature: 58°F, wind 12 mph from center field
- Series outlook: Dodgers up 1‑0, Game 2 tomorrow night
Historical Significance
Baseball historians will log this as the inaugural 8‑6‑2 double play in a postseason setting. While 6‑4‑3 and 5‑4‑3 double plays are common, the 8‑6‑2 alignment requires a center‑fielder to be involved—something you only see when a fly ball turns into a relay. The play also underscores how defensive versatility can alter a high‑stakes game.
MLB’s official data confirms the timing, weather, and spin rates, making the play a perfect case study for future analysts. In the broader narrative, the moment adds another chapter to the Brewers’ reputation for aggressive, heads‑up defense, a trait they cultivated under manager Craig Brouwers (mentioned here for context, not marked as primary).
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Game 2 is scheduled for October 14 at 8:07 PM CDT, same venue. The Dodgers will likely keep Snell on the mound if he’s rested, but Roberts may again turn to closer Roki Sasaki in high‑leverage spots. For the Brewers, the spotlight falls on their bullpen’s ability to hold any lead and on Frelick’s outfield arm, which has now entered the postseason conversation.
If the Brewers can replicate the defensive intensity shown in the 8‑6‑2 play, they could force a turning point before the series heads to a possible Game 7 in Milwaukee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the 8‑6‑2 double play affect the Dodgers' chances in Game 1?
The play erased a potential run‑scoring opportunity with runners on first and second. By turning two outs, the Brewers prevented the Dodgers from extending their lead, keeping the score at 1‑0 until Freeman’s ninth‑inning homer. Without that defensive sequence, the game could have tilted heavily in Milwaukee’s favor.
Why is this double play considered historic?
It’s the first recorded 8‑6‑2 double play in MLB postseason history. The alignment requires a center‑fielder, shortstop, and second‑baseman to combine on a single play—a rarity in regular‑season games, let alone the high‑pressure environment of the NLCS.
What was the controversy surrounding Blake Snell’s removal?
Roberts pulled Snell after eight innings despite a stellar 10‑strikeout performance and a 2.98 ERA for the season. Critics argued the move disrupted the game’s rhythm and highlighted bullpen concerns, especially after rookie closer Roki Sasaki struggled in the ninth.
Can the Brewers rely on their defense for the rest of the series?
If they continue to execute plays like the 8‑6‑2, Milwaukee’s defense could neutralize the Dodgers’ potent lineup. However, consistency is key; one spectacular play won’t win a series if it’s not backed by solid pitching and timely hitting.
What should fans expect in Game 2?
Expect a tighter pitchers’ duel. The Dodgers will likely keep Snell in the rotation if he’s rested, while the Brewers will look to press the advantage with aggressive baserunning and perhaps a follow‑up defensive gem to keep the series even.
