Justin Bour Doesnt Run Out a Pop Up and Mariners turn a Double Play, A Breakdown

In the bottom of the eighth inning of a 3-3 game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Seattle Mariners, Angels first baseman Justin Bour steps up to the plate with runner Albert Pujols on base after being pinch-run for. Mariners second baseman Dee Gordon sets up to make a play, anticipating a potential double play opportunity. Bour swings at an 0-2 pitch but does not run out the resulting pop-up. Gordon, recognizing the chance to turn two, calls off his infielders and allows the ball to drop. Pujols, the Angels pinch-runner, heads back to first base, unaware of Gordon's tactical move. Gordon scoops up the ball and throws to first base, catching Pujols off guard. The Mariners then quickly relay the ball to second base, completing the double play and retiring both baserunners. "I always loved the deke at second base right here to get him," the announcer says, impressed by Gordon's heads-up play. The Mariners players celebrate the unexpected turn of events, while Bour is visibly frustrated with himself for not running out the routine pop-up. Angels manager Brad Ausmus also expresses disbelief, asking, "Are you kidding me, dude?" The contrast between the Mariners and Angels fans' reactions is palpable, with the Mariners faithful cheering enthusiastically and the Angels supporters expressing a mix of confusion and disappointment. "This guy's saying 'Hey' and this guy's saying 'What the [expletive],'" the announcer notes, highlighting the stark difference in the fans' emotions. Bour's failure to run out the pop-up proves costly, as the Mariners capitalize on his mistake to turn an inning-ending double play and maintain the 3-3 deadlock. The play showcases the importance of hustle and heads-up baserunning, as well as the value of defensive awareness and communication in executing a successful double play. This critical moment in the late-inning duel between the AL West rivals could have significant implications for the final outcome of the game.