We’ve got another week in the books, and it’s time to marvel at some awesome defense once again. The usual suspects are here, as you’d expect.
June 25th, Pirates vs Rays – Longoria and the bullpen.
On-field bullpens are the worst, and Evan Longoria could have gotten hurt chasing this foul pop-up at Tropicana Field. But he didn’t, making the catch, avoiding tripping, and jumping over a short wall for good measure.
June 25th, Mets vs Athletics – damn fans.
This fan did nothing to make Josh Reddick’s attempt at catching this foul ball any easier. That’s no big deal for Reddick, who simply went AROUND the fan to make the catch.
June 27th, Athletics vs Marlins – don’t do it.
Just don’t run on Yoenis Cespedes at all. It looked like Giancarlo Stanton would easily score, but this is no ordinary outfield arm we’re dealing with here.
June 27th, Cardinals vs Dodgers – Matt Kemp’s laser.
It’s been a disappointing year so far for Matt Kemp, but this throw from shallow left field to nail Allen Craig at home plate was a thing of beauty. With a ball that wasn’t hit that hard and Craig going on contact, getting him at the plate would take some effort, which Kemp nailed.
June 28th, Tigers vs Astros – game-saving Hoes.
The Astros would go on to lose this game in heartbreaking fashion, but this bases loaded, two out catch from L.J. Hoes in the seventh inning at least pushed off their defeat. Talk about stepping up big…
July 1st, Phillies vs Marlins – behind the back.
This is another one of those plays that requires extreme concentration, along with a little bit of luck. This ball seemed destined to go up the middle for a base hit, but Steve Cishek’s glove was simply in the right place at the right time.
July 1st, Indians vs Dodgers – the most bizarre triple play ever?
This was a 7-2-4 triple play that ended up being subject to not one, but *two* reviews – the play at the plate was challenged by the Dodgers (and confirmed), and the play at second base was challenged by the Indians (and overturned). This whole chain of events was just strange, but hey, it all worked out for Cleveland.
