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.
OH MY GOODNESS!!!
RANGERS LEAD 3-0!!!
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/LWxqHkeOM8
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 2, 2023
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.
Marcus Semien makes it 5-0 in #WorldSeries Game 5! pic.twitter.com/FSIIXoeZ3M
— MLB (@MLB) November 2, 2023
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.
This was how Twitter reacted
Brutal. https://t.co/6Vobu6pwhy
— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) November 2, 2023
This is why you teach kids in the outfield to back each other up. https://t.co/eB877CwbiS
— Shaun (@zooropean) November 2, 2023
Couldn’t have done this in the NLCS eh?????????? https://t.co/nRmfFq2DU9
— kyle (@kgeich) November 2, 2023
im rooting for the rangers here but i wouldn't wish this on anyone god https://t.co/E5qyRXlETc
— Hafkie (@Hafk) November 2, 2023
That has to be one of the most brutal moments I've ever witnessed in playoff baseball. https://t.co/12VYF0NBGo
— Allan Shen (@fulunallanshen) November 2, 2023
I thought this was the greatest defensive team in the history of sports? https://t.co/PMMKGJuVMx
— Ryan (@Notorious_RJG) November 2, 2023
Game over. I actually feel bad for him. https://t.co/FTHyTjMSw8
— Jermaine (@notinbutaJthang) November 2, 2023
Bill Buckner 1986 vibes https://t.co/PozEl8ea9d
— 1988 (@Knollij) November 2, 2023
Damn buddy gonna see that in his nightmares forever https://t.co/y2Z7iZS3Yn
— give me salami (@Lil_Brett) November 2, 2023
