The game-winning catch Mookie Betts made that allowed the Los Angeles Dodgers to hang on for a second consecutive victory against the San Diego Padres this past Saturday was recognized by MLB as the Play of the Week.
Betts’ web gem came with two outs in the bottom of the ninth and the tying runs on base. He robbed Tommy Pham of what would’ve been at least a game-tying hit, helping the Dodgers preserve their 2-0 victory and clinch a series win.
Betts got a tremendous jump and made the catch with the ball landing in the palm of his glove. He immediately popped to his knees to celebrate the terrific play as the Padres were stunned and hoped a review would reverse their fate. The catch probability was a mere 10% according to Statcast, making it a five-star play.
For Betts, its his second time earning Play of the Week honors, previously doing so in July 2020 after throwing out the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte trying to stretch a double into a triple. The throw also was ranked the best play of the 2020 season.
Betts became just the fourth player to win multiple Play of the Week Awards since it was introduced in 2019, joining Lorenzo Cain, Jonathan Davis and Victor Robles.
Since coming over to the Dodgers in last year’s blockbuster trade with the Boston Red Sox, Betts has regularly made highlight-reel catches and throws in the outfield. He took home his fifth consecutive Gold Glove at the end of the 2020 season and additionally won a Fielding Bible Award.
Betts’ 11 defensive runs saved last year were 10 more than any other qualified National League right fielder. He also led players at his position in UZR (6.0) and Def (3.7).
Betts ‘blacked out’ on game-winning catch
After making his game-winning catch against the Padres, Betts revealed everything happened so quickly and that he temporarily “blacked out.” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was not in the least bit surprised Betts made the catch.
“A lot of things have got to line up: the jump on the baseball, the line to the ball and still secure the baseball,” Roberts said. “There’s a handful of guys that probably could’ve made that play. It just speaks to that’s why he’s arguably the best all-around player in baseball.”
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