The El Paso Chihuahuas appeared to have a win in hand Friday in their Triple-A contest against the Salt Lake Bees at Smith’s Ballpark in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The Chihuahuas held a 3-2 lead with two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning.
With runners on first and second, Bees batter Bryce Teodosio sent a 95-mph fastball from Chihuahuas reliever Lake Bachar to right field. Teodosio’s fly ball flew innocently toward Bees outfielder Oscar Mercado for what looked to be the game-ending out.
Mercado got under the ball with all kinds of time. But the 29-year-old muffed the catch and let the baseball drop, allowing the two runners on base to score.
We love a walk off no matter how they happen 🤷 pic.twitter.com/EzzcK8DvYG
— Salt Lake Bees (@SaltLakeBees) July 27, 2024
Mercado had come in as a pinch hitter for Cal Mitchell in the top of the 8th as the Bees had looked to avoid a lefty-lefty matchup. The game-ending play was the first ball hit toward Mercado in his two innings of defensive work.
Mercado was a member of the Cleveland Guardians from 2019 to 2022. He played 20 games for the St. Louis Cardinals last season, batting .290 with 5 RBIs.
