World Series Game Seven: Fantasy Meets Reality In One At-Bat

The brave, injured warrior steps into the field of battle with everything on the line, and comes through and either secures the victory or sets things in motion for the victory.

This is one of the most beloved storylines in every sport, including baseball. Kirk Gibson, the bloody sock, etc. You know why it’s so beloved? BECAUSE IT’S SO UNFREAKIN’ LIKELY TO HAPPEN!

So when Ned Yost sent his injured catcher Salvador Perez, a guy who swings at pitches five feet outside of the plate when he’s healthy, to the plate with the game on the line, I pretty much knew the game was over.

The perfect narrative, which happens a microscopic amount of the time, met reality in the form of Madison Bumgarner and the game was over.

Now, I’m not trying to take anything away from the Giants, they played a great game, but Ned Yost, given an unexpected chance to tie things up when Alex Gordon got to third on a single and an error, gift wrapped the game to the Giants by sending Perez up to bat. Perez acquiesced by fouling out, and the Giants had their third championship in five years. yay.

I know the Royals backup catcher hadn’t played in eons and that would have been something to watch if the game went to extra innings, but you have to get there first!

In any other situation, Perez likely would have been replaced far earlier. Plus it’s not like he was setting the world on fire as he was 0 for 2 up to that point.

No, I don’t know which pinch hitter to use, I just know that Perez shouldn’t have been batting.

Ned Yost actually managed this series pretty decently, better than anyone expected. In this case however, Royals fans got Yosted.

As always, thanks for reading.