George Springer gets credit for being such a clutch postseason hitter, but he cost his Houston Astros with a poor decision on Tuesday night.
Springer was batting with Kyle Tucker on second and one out with his Astros down 5-3 to the Washington Nationals in Game 1 of the World Series. He sent a 2-1 breaking ball from Daniel Hudson deep to right-center field and began to hop as if he had just hit a home run.
GEORGE SPRINGER IS PUTTING THE TEAM ON HIS BACK!!! pic.twitter.com/kcoS9tkzLY
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 23, 2019
Tucker was able to score on the play, but Springer only ended up at second instead of third because he pimped his hit, thinking it was a home run. He didn’t start to run hard until after the ball went off Adam Eaton’s glove.
The next batter was Jose Altuve, who flied out to right field. Had Springer been at third, he could have tried to tag up for the tying run. Instead, he remained at second. Michael Brantley later lined out to end the inning with Houston down 5-4.
Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna received criticism for doing the same thing as Springer earlier this postseason. Springer’s mistake was even more costly but is being overlooked by many.
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