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By Tyler Erzberger
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Fans are calling it one of the most exciting World Baseball Classic games of all time between the Netherlands and Nicaragua.
Those same fans are also calling it the worst walk-off home run call in baseball history, WBC, MLB, or Little League included.
Nicaragua was up 3-1 in the bottom of the ninth against the Oranje, a single out away from winning their first-ever game in the WBC.
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The Nicaragua supporters were out of their seats, hoping to finally get over the line and celebrate a monumental win.
But with two men on and a chance to make history, Ozzie Albies of the Netherlands met the moment, blasting a ball into the air and over the field walls to win the game for his nation.
It was an unforgettable moment for the fans in the stadium, heartbreak or pure bliss, but the viewers at home were left bewildered at the Fox broadcast commentary of the walk-off heroics.
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"And Albies," play-by-play announcer Paul Severino started as the ball cracked off the bat of the Netherlands player. "Deep drive, right centerfield, down to their last breath..."
As he continued rambling on, the ball had already hit into the seats with Albies yelling into the afternoon sky.
Severino then continued as the camera kept on Albies rounding the bases.
"The Kingdom of the Netherlands...takes the lead."
The commentator then went silent after his walk-off call wasn't really a walk-off, noting they had only just taken the lead, while the Netherlands celebrated a miraculous comeback win.
A few seconds later, he tried to bring it back, yelling, "And a walk-off home run for Ozzie Albies!" but the moment had passed, with Albies throwing his helmet down, rounding third to run into the celebratory arms of his teammates.
If that sounds awkward, it's because it was.
And the internet, which grades home run calls, especially walk-offs like they're film critics, didn't hold back on Severino.
This is the worst walk-off home run call I’ve ever heard in my life," Johnny Giunta of the ever-popular "Gate 14" Toronto Blue Jays podcast posted on X.
Severino, who calls games for the Miami Marlins, hopes he gets a chance at redemption either in another game at the WBC or in the regular season. Commentators also have a preseason, and if this was spring training for Severino, he'd have to do some work to make the Opening Day roster after Saturday's viral misfire.
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