Chaos erupted in Game 1 of the National League Division Series when Padres first baseman Ty France hit a high fly ball that struck the cables in the rafters of American Family Field, leading to an immediate challenge and a wild ruling. With a runner on first base in the top of the ninth inning, France’s blast off Brewers closer Trevor Megill seemed destined for glory, but the ballpark architecture had other plans, turning what could have been a series-altering hit into a controversial out.
The Call That Rocked the Rafters
France connected with the pitch, sending it sky-high at a 49-degree launch angle, well above average, and with a blistering 105-mph exit velocity. As David Ortiz famously put it on the FS1 postgame show, “It seemed like that ball was going to land in San Diego.” Instead, it hit the cables, then bafflingly dropped right into the glove of left fielder Jackson Chourio. The immediate call on the field was France out. Padres manager Craig Stammen wasted no time challenging, convinced something had to give. Yet, crew chief Alfonso Marquez confirmed the initial ruling, stating the ball was fair and France was out. According to MLB.com reporter Adam McCalvy, the official rule meant the ball remained in play after hitting the cables. It was a heartbreaker for the Padres, a truly wild turn of events that Megill himself admitted he’d never witnessed. “Four years in this stadium, I’ve never seen that before,” Megill told FOX’s Tom Verducci after the game.
Brewers Battle Back for Crucial Game 1 Win
That controversial out on France’s rocket was the second of the inning, and Megill didn’t look back. He quickly got the next batter, Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill, to fly out, sealing the victory for Milwaukee. This wasn’t just any win, either. The Brewers had to claw their way back after facing an early 2-0 deficit. Their comeback started strong with Jackson Chourio, the same guy who snagged France’s deflection, smashing a two-run home run in the third inning. Then, catcher William Contreras delivered the decisive blow, launching a solo shot in the seventh inning that gave Milwaukee the lead and, ultimately, the Game 1 win. Talk about momentum shifts!
This was just Game 1, and with a ruling like that, you know this series is going to be absolutely wild. Every single pitch from here on out is going to carry even more weight. Get ready for more drama, because if Game 1 was any indication, this National League Division Series is just getting started.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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