The New York Mets have been on the wrong end of several bloopers this season. On Saturday, they got to see things from the other side, thanks to the Boston Red Sox.
Trailing 2-0 in the top of the fourth inning, New York’s Jeff McNeil came to the plate with two outs and runners on second and third. He hit what initially looked like it would be a game-tying single. But it didn’t stop there.
Boston center fielder Jarren Duran threw home in an attempt to throw Pete Alonso out. The throw was ill-advised, as the ball was deep enough in centerfield for Alonso to score easily with a two-out jump. While it was a mistake, it should have only cost the team an extra base, allowing McNeil to take second base. But Catcher Jorge Alfaro cut stepped in front of the plate and threw to second, trying to get McNeil.
His throw was wide. Quite wide. Shortstop Yu Chang had no chance of catching the ball, which rolled to just short of the warning track before Duran finally chased it down. McNeil easily scored on the throwing error, giving the Mets the lead on a Little League home run.
This Red Sox defense is — something else. pic.twitter.com/4h7lGiq8sb
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) July 23, 2023
If plays like this are good for anything, they tend to lighten up the mood for anyone who sees them. This was no different.
Little leaguers are offended by this. https://t.co/vPt6oAcZuX
— Mark Passwaters (@mbpRivals) July 23, 2023
The Red Sox managed to out Met the Mets pic.twitter.com/3g96BOsBPD
— Someone's An Idiot (@SomeonesAnIdiot) July 23, 2023
Dear god, Red Sox.
That just can't happen. pic.twitter.com/T1qOipdNuN
— Dillard Barnhart (@BarnHasSpoken2) July 23, 2023
We need the Benny Hill theme over this one. Internet, do your thing. https://t.co/4MktdmL0Yk
— Brent Axe (@BrentAxeMedia) July 23, 2023
even some of the Sox fans are laughing, which honestly what else could you do. https://t.co/jCwOFk1r2u
— Senorita Ding Dong (@KaylaJ67) July 23, 2023
"The Mets jump in front 3-2. Red Sox with a helping hand again, defensively."
Yup. That checks out. https://t.co/xubfYGLC2B
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 23, 2023
Dear god, Red Sox.
That just can't happen. pic.twitter.com/T1qOipdNuN
— Dillard Barnhart (@BarnHasSpoken2) July 23, 2023
What makes this play so unique is that, well, it’s really not unique.
What a clown show the Sox are defensively. Second Little League Home Run they’ve given up this season. https://t.co/fLNImQgcnn
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) July 23, 2023
The Red Sox have been down this road before in 2023.
And if you were watching this thinking it looked familiar, you are correct.pic.twitter.com/NjvlIG1EQ4
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) July 23, 2023
If you’re playing the Red Sox this year, run hard. There’s a decent chance that it may earn you another 90 feet — if not more.
[Photo Credit: NESN]