The Cincinnati Reds should absolutely give Oscar Mercado the assist on this mid-inning home run.
Instead of Mercado getting the easy out at the track, the Reds increased their lead over the St. Louis Cardinals to 6-1 on Wednesday after an unfortunate bounce went Cincinnati’s way. In the bottom of the fourth, with the Reds already up big on their opponents, Matt McLain launched a ball out to deep right field. Mercado had to back up to make the leaping attempt on the fly ball, but instead of it landing securely in his glove, the ball popped in and out and went over the fence instead.
Truly, the most unfortunate way to give up a home run.
Matt McLain gets the assist from St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Mercado for his 2nd home run of the season! #Reds pic.twitter.com/kAZPJL5rqL
— Bally Sports Cincinnati (@BallySportsCIN) May 24, 2023
The worst part? The bounce off of Mercado’s glove really was the difference, as the ball was going to hit off the top of the wall had it landed on its own power.
