Springer responds to lack of hustle criticism following loss
Houston Astros outfielder George Springer responded to criticism he received for not hustling out of the batter's box on a deep fly ball during Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday.
With Kyle Tucker standing on second base, one out, and the Astros trailing 5-3 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Springer drilled a ball off the top of the right-center-field wall.
"If he tags, or whatever the case, and I run by him, it's not good," Springer said, according to MLB.com's Alyson Footer. "I was watching the outfielder. He made an incredible bid on it. I'm lucky right there. I can't go to third right there because the guy on second (Tucker) had gone back to tag."
"I'm out for sure (if he goes to third)," Springer added.
Tucker scored on the play to make it 5-4.
Many argued Springer would have made it to third if he sprinted out of the box. In that case, he likely would have scored to tie the game on Jose Altuve's ensuing fly ball. Instead, the Astros lost the game by one run.
HUGE mistake here by Springer. Jogs and watches it out of the box. Forced to settle for 2B. Should've been standing on 3rd with 1 out.
— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) October 23, 2019
Next hitter Altuve hits a fly ball that would have been deep enough for a sac fly. Should be a tie ball game. This cannot happen. #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/CzWhilChlA
Astros manager AJ Hinch discussed the play on Wednesday.
"In a perfect world, (Springer) gives himself a better chance to make a decision by getting into the play a little faster. But I think it was more of a mediocre baserunning play than an egregious showboating play. Both sides of it ran into some issues," the manager said, according to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle.
Springer was one of Houston's most productive offensive players Tuesday, going 2-for-3 with a home run, two walks, and two runs scored. His homer marked the fifth straight World Series game in which he's hit a long ball, which set a record.