There probably isn’t a play that can humble Major League teams more than a Little League home run. You have nine of the best baseball players in the world out in the field, and they manage to turn a simple play into a demoralizing embarrassment.
That’s never not funny.
Just a week after we saw the New York Yankees hand the Padres two runs on a series of defensive blunders, their AL East rival Boston Red Sox gave it a try on Sunday.
With the Red Sox already down two runs in the sixth inning, Yandy Diaz took advantage of the hit-and-run call and singled on a grounder through the gap on the right side of the infield. The Rays then saw that the Red Sox were slow to get the ball back into the infield, so they sent Manuel Margot who scored before a wide throw home.
Two runs on a grounder. Just like you draw it up! #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/y7tehP7eFM
— Bally Sports Sun: Rays (@BallyRays) June 4, 2023
Catcher Connor Wong, though, should’ve had Diaz out at second as Diaz slowed down to basically concede the out. But Wong’s throw was a disaster. The Red Sox catcher threw the ball straight into center field. Enrique Hernandez and Enmanuel Valdez could only watch as the ball rolled beyond all the outfielders — such a helpless feeling.
After all that, Diaz jogged into home easily with the Little League homer. Officially, it was scored a single, RBI and a *huge* error on Wong.
Fans also had jokes about the mess of a defensive display.
This was how Twitter reacted
This is a simple hit-and-run single… until it isn't. https://t.co/bsqP1Siih9
— David Laurila (@DavidLaurilaQA) June 4, 2023
What in the sandlot is going on here? https://t.co/mVMSJWlWkk
— Jay (@JayTellez22) June 4, 2023
Only the Red Sox https://t.co/mlbF60V4gv
— Anders (@AndersPicks) June 4, 2023
Swear this only happens to the Red Sox😂 https://t.co/DmBA9XRFsk
— Nick Tomoyasu (@nicktomoyasu20) June 4, 2023
As if the Rays needed more bleeping breaks their way https://t.co/5JRrClosiO
— ⚾️ Nick ⚾️ Blue Jays 26-25, 9-0-7 ⚾️ (@nickofthejays) June 4, 2023
Wow the Red Sox making the Yankees defense look professional https://t.co/bAjdds231T
— Fully Schuster (@Fully_schuster) June 4, 2023
I like a lot of things, but I love me a nice lil inside the park HR https://t.co/aNXAmi4n1Y
— LC (@laurencowling) June 4, 2023
"Forecast really wasn't bad, then it got really bad." – exemplary foreshadowing https://t.co/07MnKKR23V
— Coy Lil Ray (@StacksBreadup) June 4, 2023
This should be set to Benny Hill music. https://t.co/EhAh6ROBB9
— Pete Skerritt (@PeteSkerritt) June 4, 2023
