Stats show Murphy's error is 2nd costliest in World Series history
Twenty-nine years after benefiting from a career-defining error by Boston Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner, the New York Mets were on the receiving end of their own misplay.
With runners on first and second with one out in the eighth inning of Game 4 of the World Series, Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy allowed a grounder to roll under his glove, bringing the game-tying run around to score. The Kansas City Royals would plate two more runs in the inning for the eventual 5-3 win, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.
Not since Buckner's error in 1986 has there been a more crucial error committed in the World Series, when measured by Win Probability Added, according to August Fagerstrom of Fangraphs.
Most costly errors in World Series history, by Win Probability Added:
1. 1986, B. Buckner, -40%
2. 2015, D. Murphy, -35%
— August Fagerstrom (@AugustFG_) November 1, 2015
Win Probability Added is the change in Win Expectancy from one plate appearance to the next, taking into consideration the role a player's action plays in their chances to win.
(Videos courtesy: MLB.com)
Tied 5-5 in the 10th inning of Game 6, Mets outfielder Mookie Wilson hit a ball down the first base line that snuck under Buckner's glove and between his legs to allow the game-winning run. New York would go on to win the World Series in Game 7.