Every once in a while, a big leaguer looks like a little leaguer on the diamond.Unfortunately for the Philadelphia Phillies, star catcher J.T.Realmuto’s Little League-esque blunder ended the game.In the bottom of the ninth inning of the Phillies’ 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies had runners on second and third with one out.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMLos Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts tags Philadelphia Phillies' Justin Crawford in a rundown with J.T.
Realmuto heading back to second base during the ninth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Philadelphia.(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)Justin Crawford, who pinch-ran for Alec Bohm, was on third base, while Realmuto was on second base.
Right fielder Brandon Marsh was up against closer Tanner Scott.Marsh hit a weak ground ball to third base, and Crawford started to go home but stopped after a few steps.Interim Phillies manager Don Mattingly said postgame the contact play was on, which means Crawford was supposed to run home no matter what.However, Crawford said the contact play was on unless the ball was hit to third base.So Crawford, now caught between third base and home plate, got in a rundown.
Realmuto ran to third base but inexplicably turned around to go back to second base when he saw Crawford run back to third base.ANGELS THIRD BASEMAN BRINGS BASKETBALL ONTO THE DIAMOND, TURNS SLICK DOUBLE PLAY WITH UNCONVENTIONAL MOVELos Angeles Dodgers infielder Tommy Edman reacts after tagging out Philadelphia Phillies catcher JT Realmuto in the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa., on July 21, 2026.(Kyle Ross/Imagn Images)Mookie Betts tagged Crawford out and then whirled and fired to second baseman Tommy Edman to nab Realmuto going back to second, completing a chaotic 5-2-6-4 double play to end the game.Phillies announcer John Kruk was in disbelief after seeing Realmuto run back toward second base."Oh no, JT! Oh ...