J.T. Realmuto’s inexplicable baserunning error in the bottom of the ninth inning sealed the Philadelphia Phillies’ 2-1 defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park.
The pivotal play occurred with the Phillies trailing by one run, runners on second and third with one out. Pinch-runner Justin Crawford, who was on third, and Realmuto, on second, were part of a contact play.
Brandon Marsh hit a ground ball to third base. Crawford initially advanced toward home but retreated as Realmuto unexpectedly broke from second toward third, then turned back toward second base. This sequence left Crawford in a rundown between third and home.
Mookie Betts tagged Crawford out, then threw to second baseman Tommy Edman to get Realmuto, completing a 5-2-6-4 double play that ended the game.
"Just a bad baserunning play, really," Realmuto said after the game. "We were going on seeing it through there, and once (Crawford) gets in the rundown and I'm on third base, there’s no reason for me to go back to second. Just a lack of judgment. You can't make two outs on that play. I’ve just got to stay in scoring position."
Realmuto added that he thought Crawford might escape the rundown, a slim possibility that led to his misjudgment. "The chances of that are so small, you just can't take that chance there of making two outs on one play."
Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly expressed bewilderment regarding Realmuto’s decision. "I don’t know what JT was thinking there, honestly, because he got to third," Mattingly said. "With contact on, just hoping (Crawford) stays in (the rundown) long enough to get Marsh to second, and you end up in the same spot."
Broadcaster John Kruk voiced disbelief during the play, exclaiming, "Oh no, JT! Oh no."
The game-ending gaffe comes during a challenging season for Realmuto, a three-time All-Star catcher. He is batting .215 with seven home runs, significantly below his career average of .268.
The Phillies, now 56-46, will aim to rebound in the third game of the series against the Dodgers (64-38) on Wednesday.
