Giants' Matt Chapman makes absurdly dumb decision to end San Francisco's weekend vs. Mets

The veteran third baseman was thrown out trying to steal second base with the Giants down three runs in the ninth inning.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:24am by Ben Kaplan

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In the bottom of the ninth inning with the San Francisco Giants down by three runs against the New York Mets, veteran third baseman Matt Chapman made a questionable decision to try and steal second base. Chapman was easily thrown out, ending any chance of a Giants comeback in the game.

Why it matters

This decision by Chapman will likely be seen as a critical mistake that cost the Giants a chance to potentially rally and win the game. With the Giants already struggling this week, this play will be scrutinized as an especially poor decision that could loom large if the team's playoff hopes trend negatively.

The details

With the Giants down 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th, Matt Chapman led off the inning by getting on base. However, he then decided to try and steal second base off Mets closer Devin Williams. Chapman was easily thrown out, ending the Giants' chances of a comeback in the game.

  • The incident occurred in the bottom of the 9th inning on April 6, 2026.

The players

Matt Chapman

A veteran third baseman for the San Francisco Giants who made the questionable decision to try and steal second base with his team down 3 runs in the 9th inning.

Devin Williams

The New York Mets' closer who easily threw out Matt Chapman attempting to steal second base in the 9th inning.

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What they’re saying

“A terrible decision by Chapman as he gets gunned down for the first out of the ninth with his team down by three runs!”

— Gary Cohen, Mets Announcer

“Gunned down, and rightly so. His run means nothing.”

— Todd Zeile, Mets Announcer

“It caps off a horrible, no good, awful week for Matt Chapman.”

— Gary Cohen, Mets Announcer

What’s next

The Giants will look to bounce back in their next series as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive, but this decision by Chapman will likely be a point of discussion and criticism moving forward.

The takeaway

This play by Matt Chapman exemplifies how a single poor decision can have significant consequences, especially in a close game late in the season. The Giants will need to learn from this mistake and ensure their veteran players make smarter choices as they fight to stay in the playoff race.