Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos (8) catches a foul ball hit by Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia (11) (not shown) before throwing a runner out at home plate during the ninth inning at Truist Park. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Phillies announcer begs All-Star OF to let ball drop foul, then changes mind

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 9/20/23

Philadelphia Phillies color commentator John Kruk went on an emotional roller coaster during one dramatic play in the bottom of the ninth Wednesday in the team's extra-inning win over the Atlanta Braves.

Really gutsy decision by Nick Castellanos to catch a ball in medium-deep RF in foul territory with game-winning run at 3rd base in bottom of 9th. He could have played it safe and let it drop, instead caught it and threw Luke Williams out at the plate to send this one into extras.
— Corey Seidman (@CSeidmanNBCS) September 20, 2023

Nick Castellanos the man that you are!!!! pic.twitter.com/xWXjhJH84n
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 20, 2023

Though Kruk's begging of All-Star right fielder Nick Castellanos to allow Orlando Arcia's fly ball to drop foul was warranted (given the circumstances), his quick change of tone after the runner was thrown out at home was quite entertaining. One can only wonder what the 62-year-old would've said if the runner had beaten the throw or if Castellanos's throw was wild.

Fortunately for the Phillies, they escaped danger in the frame and went on to win 6-5 in 10 innings.

Not typically known for his defense, Castellanos also had a huge game at the plate, going 2-for-5 with two home runs and three RBI. He's now hit 27 home runs (second most of his career) and posted 99 RBI this season, which are tied with Kyle Schwarber for the team lead and two shy of his career high.

Philadelphia is now 83-69 and three games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks for the top wild-card spot in the National League with 10 contests remaining in the season.

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