In the top of the ninth inning of the Milwaukee Brewers' NL division series opener, fate intervened during a fly ball off the bat of San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France.
His high drive to left field shockingly struck part of the roof at American Family Field and dropped straight down into the glove of the Brewers' Jackson Chourio.
A potential go-ahead two-run homer went down as a routine fly out in the scorebook.
For many Brewers fans, it wasn't a wire or a part of the infrastructure that saved the game – it was the spirit of beloved late broadcaster Bob Uecker.
"I'm telling you, Ueck reached up there and knocked that ball down like a basketball center rejecting a ball, you know what I mean?" Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. "I think Ueck was
involved."
Uecker, who called Brewers games on radio and TV for 54 years, died last year at the age of 90.
He was a fixture at the ballpark and in the clubhouse as the Brewers chased their first World Series championship over the years.
This season could be their best chance to claim that elusive title. The Brewers finished with the best record in the majors during the regular season (103-59).
That means they'll have the home field advantage − and the spirit of Bob Uecker lurking − as they continue their quest for a berth in the 2026 Fall Classic.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brewers manager credits spirit of Bob Uecker for lucky bounce vs. Padres
