The Dodgers and Giants battled in a wild ninth inning that turned into one of the most dramatic finishes of the season. With two outs and the Giants leading, Justin Turner hit a grounder that should’ve ended the game, but Mauricio Dubón bobbled it. The misplay extended the inning, and moments later, the Dodgers tied it on a deep shot to left. Mike Tauchman tracked it well but couldn’t stop it from clearing the wall.
That near disaster shook Giants reliever Tyler Rogers, who had to face Albert Pujols next. Pujols was just one home run away from tying the all-time record for walk-off homers. He got a pitch he liked and crushed it to left. Dodgers fans jumped up thinking the game was over. Pujols raised his hands. But Tauchman raced back, timed his leap perfectly, and pulled the ball out of the sky. He hung on as he crashed into the wall and saved the game.
Everyone in the stadium thought the game was over. Some fans were still celebrating as Tauchman ran in holding the ball. The shock on Pujols’ face said it all. Instead of tying the record, he had to watch the Giants celebrate the catch. The game went to extras, and San Francisco won it there. Tauchman’s catch didn’t just save the ninth, it sealed the win and added another layer to a heated rivalry.