Bizarro Baseball: Ohio High Schooler Tags Out Runner at Home After Marathon Chase

In a high school baseball game that may go down in history, an Ohio center fielder chased down a runner around the bases and tagged him out at home, preventing an inside-the-park homerun after a series of misplays.

In a high school baseball game that may go down in history, an Ohio center fielder chased down a runner around the bases and tagged him out at home, preventing an inside-the-park homerun after a series of misplays.

The bizarre sequence unfolded in an Ohio district tournament game between Marion Local and Fort Recovery on Friday. With Marion Local trailing 11-3 in the sixth inning, Fort Recovery's Caden Grisez blooped a popup into a Bermuda triangle in shallow center field. No one was able to catch the ball, and thanks to some hustle and no one initially covering second base, Grisez ended up with a stand-up double.

Marion Local's third baseman eventually came to cover second, but by that time, third base was open. Grisez took off for third and was safe.

In an attempt to prevent Grisez from reaching third safely, the catcher tried to cover the bag. This left home plate open, and Grisez seized the opportunity to go for the inside-the-park homer.

While all of this was happening, Marion Local center fielder Griffin Burns held onto the ball and chased down Grisez. Burns finally caught up to Grisez at home, tagging him out on a bang-bang play to the delight of the crowd.

Burns' hustle must be commended, as it came while his squad was losing 11-3 in the sixth inning (high school ball is seven innings). But Grisez also deserves credit for his heads-up baserunning.

"How about that runners IQ," he jokingly posted on Twitter after the game.

Grisez still managed to go 3-for-4 on the day, while also striking out seven batters in 5.1 innings of work. Fort Recovery held onto the victory, winning their district and advancing to the Division 4 regional semifinals.

The bizarre play has been making the rounds on social media, with many people calling it the "greatest play ever." It's certainly one that will be remembered for a long time to come.

Here is a breakdown of the sequence of events:

1. Grisez blooped a popup into shallow center field.

2. No one was able to catch the ball, and Grisez ended up with a stand-up double.

3. Marion Local's third baseman came to cover second, but by that time, third base was open.

4. Grisez took off for third and was safe.

5. The catcher tried to cover third, but this left home plate open.

6. Grisez went for the inside-the-park homer.

7. Burns chased down Grisez and tagged him out at home.

It's a play that will be talked about for years to come, and it's a testament to the hustle and determination of both players involved.