URGENT UPDATE: Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez has publicly acknowledged a costly mistake during a historic double play in the National League Championship Series opener, which the Dodgers won 2-1 against the Milwaukee Brewers on August 15, 2023.
In a play that has since gone viral, Hernandez’s error contributed to the rare 8-6-2 double play, the first of its kind in postseason history in the last 35 years, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. After watching the replay just once, Hernandez stated, “I realized I just [messed] up.” His honest reflection highlights the emotional weight of the moment and its implications for the series.
Hernandez was on third base with the bases loaded and one out when teammate Max Muncy launched a drive that appeared to clear the center-field wall. Sal Frelick of Milwaukee attempted to make a spectacular catch but lost the ball, which hit the top of the wall. Confusion ensued as Hernandez and the other Dodgers players believed Frelick had made the catch, prompting them to return to their bases.
Despite having ample time to tag up and score, Hernandez hesitated, allowing Frelick to throw to shortstop Joey Ortiz, who relayed the ball to catcher William Contreras for the first out at the plate. Contreras then completed the double play by forcing out Will Smith, who was on second base when the play began.
“It was one of those plays that, if you would have asked me two days ago what I would do in this situation, I would say as soon as the ball touched the glove, I would go,” Hernandez explained. “But in the moment, I got blocked and I just [messed] up. It’s that simple.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts echoed Hernandez’s sentiments, describing the moment as a “brain fart.” He noted that Hernandez knows the rules but got caught in the heat of the game. “He tagged, did it correctly, then saw he didn’t catch it, and went back. That was the mistake,” Roberts said. “But he owned it.”
The significance of this play cannot be understated. With the pressure of the postseason mounting, Hernandez’s misjudgment could have shifted the series’ momentum. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the unusual nature of the play, making it a trending topic across social media platforms.
As the Dodgers move forward in the series, all eyes will be on Hernandez and his ability to bounce back from this moment. The team’s next game is crucial as they look to maintain their lead in the championship series.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Dodgers continue their postseason run and Hernandez seeks redemption on the field.
