Ortiz Acknowledges Error in World Series Defeat
Milwaukee Brewers infielder Joey Ortiz took full responsibility for a throwing error that occurred during the bottom of the 12th inning of a World Series game, stating there was "no excuse" for the mistake. The error proved pivotal as the Brewers were just three outs away from sweeping the series after Cooper Pratt hit a clutch home run in the top of the 12th inning to keep the opposing team alive.
In the bottom of the inning, Junior Caminero led off against Brewers pitcher Antonio Senzatela. Senzatela induced a ground ball that went directly to Ortiz. Ortiz threw the ball across the diamond, but the throw was short, allowing Jake Bauers to reach base safely.
Ortiz told MLB.com's Adam McCalvy that he should have made the play consistently. "There’s no excuse... Not one at all. I should make that play every (expletive) time," Ortiz said.
In a separate comment to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Todd Rosiak, Ortiz analyzed his mechanics during the play. "I fielded the ball and I think I should have took another couple more steps toward first... I made a (expletive) throw," he said.
Postseason Role Shifts for Infielder
The error occurred while Ortiz was serving as a defensive replacement. He had entered the game to replace David Hamilton, who had been pinch-hit for by Andrew Vaughn earlier in the contest.
Ortiz's role on the team has shifted significantly during the postseason. Although he finished the regular season with a .270/.328/.402 slash line and a .909 OPS from July 4 onward, his performance in the playoffs has been less productive. Previously considered the worst hitter in baseball, Ortiz's late-season surge did not translate to the postseason.
Manager Pat Murphy has utilized David Hamilton more frequently in place of Ortiz during the postseason. Consequently, Ortiz has started only against left-handed pitchers since the National League Championship Series. He did not start a World Series game prior to entering as a defensive substitute in this inning.