Sal Frelick Sparks Improbable Brewers Double Play, Social Media Erupts

The opening clash of the 2025 National League Championship Series delivered a defensive highlight fans will be talking about for years. Even though it didn’t change the final outcome, it was unforgettable.

The Milwaukee Brewers faced the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers and pulled off a rare, jaw-dropping 8-6-2 double play in the third inning. That play showed off their defensive instincts and proved how quickly a game can flip on its head.

Milwaukee ended up losing a tight one, 2-1. Still, this moment’s going to stick around in postseason lore.

A Defensive Sequence for the Ages

Playoff baseball just has a way of producing those wild, high-drama moments that stick with you. Game 1 of the NLCS? No exception.

Milwaukee’s defense delivered one of the most improbable sequences I’ve seen in a while. It was all athleticism, quick thinking, and pure baseball guts.

The Moment Max Muncy Nearly Changed the Game

Dodgers slugger Max Muncy came up with the bases loaded, staring down a Brewers pitcher who felt the heat. Muncy smashed a deep drive to center—a shot that looked like it might clear the wall for a grand slam.

Outfielder Sal Frelick raced back, leaped at the wall, and almost made an insane catch. But when he slammed into the wall, the ball popped loose from his glove.

Frelick didn’t even hesitate. He scooped up the ball and fired it toward shortstop Joey Ortiz, who was waiting as the cutoff man.

The Chain Reaction That Stunned Everyone

Ortiz turned and relayed a perfect throw to catcher William Contreras at home plate. Meanwhile, Dodgers baserunner Teoscar Hernández had bolted back toward third, thinking Frelick had caught it for an out.

Contreras tagged Hernández, then spun and—without missing a beat—sprinted toward third base.

Will Smith’s Costly Misread

Will Smith, another Dodgers runner, had scrambled back to second, also thinking Frelick had made the catch. In the chaos, Contreras dashed to third and tagged the base himself, notching the second out of a stunning 8-6-2 double play.

In just a few seconds, what looked like a Dodger breakthrough turned into a defensive masterpiece.

Breaking Down the 8-6-2 Double Play

If you’re not familiar with baseball scorekeeping, here’s what those numbers mean:

• 8: Center fielder Sal Frelick started it all.
• 6: Shortstop Joey Ortiz handled the cutoff.
• 2: Catcher William Contreras finished things off at home and third.

Plays like this are so rare because baserunners often misread the situation. It’s a harsh reminder—run hard until you’re sure the play’s over. The Dodgers probably won’t forget that anytime soon.

Postseason Drama in Every Inning

The Brewers’ defensive brilliance got the crowd roaring. But the night still ended in disappointment.

Milwaukee loaded the bases in the ninth with just one out. Los Angeles’s closer shut the door, holding on for a 2-1 win and a Game 1 lead.

Looking Ahead in the Series

The Brewers have to regroup for Game 2. Their defense and bats both need to step up if they want to even the series.

Game 1 showed the Dodgers that even the strongest offenses can get tripped up by sharp defensive plays. Baseball just loves to surprise us like that.

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Here is the source article for this story: ‘What in the world just happened’: Social media reacts to Brewers’ improbable double play started by Sal Frelick