Reds center fielder Dane Myers had played 82 games in the outfield this season without making an error for Cincinnati, but that streak came to an abrupt end on Thursday in a game against the Cardinals.
Myers' error in the ninth inning of a 9-8 game ultimately changed the course of the match, allowing two runs to score and the Cardinals to pile on for a six-run ninth. The Reds would eventually lose the game 10-5.
The play, which occurred with the Reds up a run and two outs in the ninth, was a crucial moment in the game. JJ Wetherholt hit a seemingly harmless fly ball to left field that should have ended the game, but left fielder TJ Friedl was battling the sun. Myers came running in to call off Friedl, but ended up deflecting the ball off his glove.
Myers, who had his sunglasses on top of his hat, told reporters after the game that the sun had been a factor in the play. "Shaded over a good bit. We had talked before the play. Anything in that gap with how we were shaded was supposed to be mine," Myers said. "So, I know the sun may have been tough. Pretty loud for the last out of a game. I called him off and just didn't make the play."
The scene after the game said it all, with Myers remaining in the dugout alone in a state of disbelief. The Reds did make a rally in the bottom half of the ninth, but ultimately came up short.
The loss marks a disappointing end to a promising game for the Reds, who will look to bounce back from the setback. The team will next face the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series starting on Friday.
Source: Yahoo Sports