Tag: alek thomas

D-backs CF Alek Thomas shocked MLB fans with his brutal 9th-inning error in the World Series

He’s going to think about that play for a long time.

The margin for error is so slim in the World Series that even the slightest of mistakes can derail an entire ballgame. And Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas learned that in the worst way on Wednesday.

Despite D-backs starter Zac Gallen taking a no hitter into the seventh inning, Arizona hitters simply could not produce with runners in scoring position in Game 5. It seemed inevitable that the Rangers would break the game open with a World Series title looming, and that ultimately happened in bizarre fashion.

As D-backs closer Paul Sewald faced Jonah Heim with two runners on and no outs, a single up the middle was poised to score one run for the Rangers. But as the ball rolled into center field, Thomas seemingly lost focus and let the ball go under his glove.

Corbin Carroll had to retrieve the ball at the wall, and Arizona was fortunate that Heim was running because it could have been a Little League home run. Marcus Semien would break the game open with a two-run homer a couple batters later.

But man, what a way to let a World Series get away. Fans could not believe that error. The kind of error that will haunt Thomas.

A sweet baseline angle of Alek Thomas scoring a run is the best new MLB camera placement

Put it in the Louvre!

MLB fans are going to want to watch this one. The league released glorious new footage of Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas zooming around the bases as he scored the tying run in NLCS Game 3.

Admittedly, I thought the Philadelphia Phillies would steamroll the Diamondbacks in their stadium. It’s been raining homers and showing no signs of stopping. But Arizona brought giant umbrellas and lots of guts, too.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Tommy Pham got his first hit of the series. Thomas then replaced Pham to serve as a pinch-runner. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. steps up to the plate and promptly bangs a baseball down the third baseline and deep into left field.

That’s when Thomas began running lightning fast.

Holy Alek Thomas, Batman! Thomas didn’t bother to slow down as he zipped from first base to home plate, scoring a tying run.

Yet, the best part wasn’t even his speed. It’s the sweet baseline angle that caught Thomas running to paydirt. Yowza.

Post-game, Thomas was asked what made him feel that Arizona was never out of a game. “I just think it’s our demeanor. It’s the way we go about the game and everything. We’re never too high on everything,” explained Thomas.

During his moment of reflection, Thomas quickly added: “We never give up, and that’s our mentality.”

Perfection.