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Joe Buck called the heck out of this.
Going through the call, moment by moment... https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1320219342211080193
Going through the call, moment by moment... https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1320219342211080193
1. He begins with the Joe Buck Cheat, where he gives the name of the key player (batter or pitcher) in advance, allowing him to complete the call when it happens. He does this often.
In this case, "Jansen..." He's anticipating saying "strikes him out!" to punctuate a Dodger W.
In this case, "Jansen..." He's anticipating saying "strikes him out!" to punctuate a Dodger W.
2. But no, Brett Phillips thwarts Jansen, and he immediately jumps into "That is into center field!", no hesitation.
He's going to do this again later in the play - going from readying himself for one call before lightning-fast switching to a different call.
He's going to do this again later in the play - going from readying himself for one call before lightning-fast switching to a different call.
3. Now he's watching Kevin Kiermaier's path toward home, enabling him to deliver "Phillips has tied the game!" A sum-up with brevity and importance.
4. Next it's Arozarena who matters. Joe updates Arozarena's location ("coming around") and checks in w/ the ball ("throw home") -
4. Next it's Arozarena who matters. Joe updates Arozarena's location ("coming around") and checks in w/ the ball ("throw home") -
6. - but as he does so, Will Smith doesn't catch Muncy's throw home.
Again Buck has to switch in the middle of a thought, from Arozarena to the new key action, all while keeping control of his voice and thoughts as his excitement jumps upward. ("BUT THE BALL GETS AWAY!")
Again Buck has to switch in the middle of a thought, from Arozarena to the new key action, all while keeping control of his voice and thoughts as his excitement jumps upward. ("BUT THE BALL GETS AWAY!")
7. He declares the Rays' victory as Arozarena scores.
8. More importantly, the last thing Buck says before letting the moment breathe is not that errors allowed the winning run to score, but that Brett Phillips is the Game 4 hero, which works beautifully with the joy we see.
8. More importantly, the last thing Buck says before letting the moment breathe is not that errors allowed the winning run to score, but that Brett Phillips is the Game 4 hero, which works beautifully with the joy we see.
This was a thrilling game, the best of the World Series thus far. There was a lot of excitement to call throughout, and yet Joe Buck was ready for the chaotic game-winning moment at the end.
(Also: What a way for one team to win and one team to lose a World Series game!)
(Also: What a way for one team to win and one team to lose a World Series game!)
