The man on second rushes in and fields the ball, the shortstop covers second, the runner on first has to go for it. The second baseman scoops up the ball and he has a fielder’s choice. He can throw out the man approaching second, the smart, strategic thing to do because he’s closer to home, and a greater threat. There is still one out before the game is over. Instead, he nails the runner at first. First base has a foot on the bag, throws a bullet to second, and the runner is caught in a rundown between bases. Eventually, he is tagged out, and the game is over.

The fielder had no way of knowing things would work out that way, no one expected the run-down, it was a fluke. He took a big chance taking out the man approaching first, instead of the easy force-out at second. But he saved the no-hitter for the rookie! The lead runner had been walked to first, it didn’t count as a hit. The runner approaching first would have been a base hit.

The dugout emptied and the pitcher was carried away in triumph by his teammates, the losing team applauded a noble play, and the crowd went batshit nuts.