Hello reader, do you like defense? Thursday was a treat for you, then, as there were a slew of high-quality defensive plays made by both infielders and outfielders. We’ve picked out some favorites for you, in case you missed them the first time around or just want an excuse to watch them again like I did.
Defense enthusiasts, Thursday’s games were for you
Leather was getting flashed all over the place last night.
Scott Iskowitz
Jose Altuve shows off range, jump-throw game
Sure, jumping only caused Altuve to rise to the height of your average second baseman, but he ranged and made an accurate throw your standard keystoner isn't going to, beating Daric Barton to first base in the process.
Evan Longoria hunts down foul ball, makes long throw
Far too often you see a third baseman go to make this play from foul territory, and the ball is going to either meekly die in front of first or end up in the dugout. If you avoided cringing, though, you got to see Longoria execute the play it was meant to be done.
Everth Cabrera’s game-ending double play
This easily could have tied the game back up in the bottom of the 12th, but instead, Cabrera snared that ball right out of the air, and then doubled up Bryce Harper, who had taken a significant lead and off for third base on contact.
Desmond Jennings makes ridiculous catch in center
The individual parts of this catch are exciting, but put all together, it’s just a stellar effort. Jennings ranges across the expansive outfield to get to the ball in the first place, then reaches out to grab it with his glove. Then, he somehow crashes into the wall with grace, pushing off with both arms in succession, and without losing the ball.
The one miscue is that Jennings seemed to have forgotten that was only the second out momentarily, but seeing Joe Mauer scurrying back to first (and none of Jennings' teammates leaving the field) jogged his memory.
Man, that’s just pretty.
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