Darnell McDonald cost the Red Sox a chance at tying the game on Thursday afternoon, stumbling to the ground after running past second base and ultimately getting tagged out to give the Indians a 1-0 win, and a three-game sweep.
McDonald, who was subbed in with one out in the top of the ninth inning as a pinch runner for David Ortiz at first base, advanced to second on J.D. Drew's grounder, which bounced off of Indians pitcher Chris Perez to Adam Everett. Yet instead of staying on second, McDonald rounded the base and tripped. Everett promptly threw to second baseman Orlando Cabrera, who tagged out McDonald as he stumbled back to second. Take a look for yourself.
Following the game, McDonald spoke to reporters and attempted to explain his decision to round second.
"I'm trying to be aggressive. I'm trying to make them make the throw, lost my footing out there and just got caught in no-man's land. I was just trying to be aggressive and make them make the throw to first base," explained McDonald.
"It might have been wet. I'm not even sure. I lost my footing, tried to get back, thought I might have got in there, but ump said I didn't. Really just trying to make something happen. Just didn't work out."
The loss was the Red Sox sixth in a row to start the season, marking their worst start since the 1945 season.