Sometimes, there is nothing routine about a routine play. That was the case for Max Muncy and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.
The Dodgers led the Philadelphia Phillies 4-3 in the bottom of the 10th inning. Philadelphia’s chances appeared slim when Justin Turner deked J. T. Realmuto, turning runners on the corners with no outs situation into a runner on first, one-out situation. But the Phillies clawed back and got runners on second and third with two outs Alec Bohm at the plate. But when Bohm hit a ground ball to second base, the game appeared over. It was — just not in the way we expected.
Muncy booted the ball, allowing Garrett Stubbs to score the tying run. While the ball didn’t get far from Muncy, he briefly struggled to find and retrieve it. That opened the door for speedster Roman Quinn, who was running hard the whole way, to score the winning run from second base.
HE'S FAST, HE'S VERY FAST⚡️ #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/0Sh7ND7Spw
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 22, 2022
Muncy was an All-Star and finished 10th in National League MVP voting in 2021. But Sunday’s mistake was the latest in a 2022 season that’s been a signficant struggle for him. And following his error, he was heavily criticized.
You got to be kidding Muncy
— Dodgers Tailgate (@DodgersTailgate) May 22, 2022
If you're not going to rest or bench Muncy, could you at least get him out of the number five spot, please? You know, like a normal person would do? #Dodgers
— Howard Cole (@Howard_Cole) May 22, 2022
Not gonna go in on Muncy but it's time to hit that IL and get right. He'll be better for it.
— Corey Van Vactor (@CNote_100RR) May 22, 2022
Max Muncy at his McDonalds interview tmr pic.twitter.com/dEPXVcruIv
— Bryce (@NotBryceLmao) May 22, 2022
Max Muncy ruining a JT masterclass play and Dodgers winning streak. Thanks bro
— Dodgers fam (@Dodgerfam25) May 22, 2022
Feel bad for Muncy at this point. He’s beyond awful.
— We’re Back (@wstrojan) May 22, 2022
Of course, there are two parts to every play. So, while Muncy earned a lot of criticism for his gaffe, Quinn was praised for his speed and hustle.
Roman Quinn’s speed is such a game-changer in spots like that. Wild to think he’s still this fast after tearing his Achilles just last year.
— Ty Daubert (@TyDaubert) May 22, 2022
Bohm deserves credit for putting the ball in play, but Roman Quinn won the Phillies the ballgame
— The Good Phight (@TheGoodPhight) May 22, 2022
Roman Quinn saved the season.
— Aidan Doc🧸 (@AidanDoc_) May 22, 2022
Roman Quinn said…#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/Kmb8vkLFHH
— Phils Nation (@PHLPhilNation) May 22, 2022
Speed kills. What a hustle by Roman Quinn. Phillies walk it over and finally beat the Dodgers this series. pic.twitter.com/6l5JoHaUoz
— Amy Fadool Kane (@amyfadoolNBCS) May 22, 2022
Quinn had extended the game during his at-bat with a single to right field. He advanced to second when the Dodgers unsuccessfully tried to throw Stubbs out at third. So, he definitely deserves Player of the Game honors.
