Adam Duvall scores a three-run homer, but the umpires are uncertain, and Duvall, Austin Riley, accidentally cross the plate, leading to a two-run run single. (1:15).
PHOENIX -- Austin Riley passed Adam Duvall while running the bases, resulting in Austin being unable to catch the ball. The drive was over the wall in left center and cost the Atlanta Braves slugger 38 homers.
Duvall scored a run with his bizarre first-inning play in Wednesday's 9-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Riley mistakenly thought that the ball was caught.
Duvall struck a deep fly ball off Merrill Kelly with runners on first and third. Arizona center fielder Jake McCarthy leapt near the wall and the ball deflected from his glove into the first row.
Thinking McCarthy had the ball in his hand, Riley retreated to first base, as Duvall passed him between first- and second. Duvall was out at second base on what is known as a "runner’s fielder’s choice". Riley and Freddie Freeman scored on the play, giving Duvall 109 RBIs for the season. This is the National League's leading scorer.
Brian Snitker, Braves manager, said that he wasn't certain McCarthy didn't catch the ball. You may make the right play but the guy in front you might not, so you have to be aware. This is not a bad rule.
Duvall has hit 15 home runs since July when he was acquired from the Miami Marlins.
Some baseball historians may point out that Duvall wasn't the only Braves hitter who ever lost a three-run homer to a baserunning error.
In 1959, Harvey Haddix from the Pirates won a perfect game against the Milwaukee Braves in the 13th inning at the old County Stadium. The score was 0-0. An error brought the Braves' leadoff hitter on base. This ended the perfecto and Hank Aaron was intentionally walked with one.
Joe Adcock, a slugger, hit a drive over he fence for an apparent three run homer. Aaron thought the ball was still alive, and when he saw that the runner ahead of Aaron scored, he jogged off the field. Adcock, however, was quick to round the bases.
Adcock's homer was counted by the umpires and the final score was 2-0. Warren Giles, president of the NL, ruled that Adcock should be credited only with a double and made it a 1-0 final.
This report was contributed by The Associated Press.
