The Houston Astros just reached their second World Series in franchise history, and they have Alex Bregman’s arm in part to thank.
The Astros were clinging to a one-run lead over the Yankees on Saturday in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series when New York mounted a scoring threat in the fifth inning. With runners on first and third and one out, Yankees batter Todd Frazier hit a chopper to Bregman down the third base line that looked like it would score Greg Bird from third.
But Bregman had other plans, firing a bullet to catcher Brian McCann to nab Bird at the plate and keep New York off the board.
The play. #EarnHistory #Astros pic.twitter.com/OW8Kj12tPM
— D-Texan (@dtexanz) October 22, 2017
It was a risky play by Bregman, as the throw needed to be absolutely perfect to get Bird. But the 23-year-old rookie didn’t hesitate for a second, displaying incredible confidence, awareness and skill to put the throw essentially right on Bird’s foot without the slightest hesitation.
On the money.#Game7 pic.twitter.com/EkMEG68u7j
— MLB (@MLB) October 22, 2017
So, how did Bregman know to come home? Turns out he learned his lesson from another contest.
“We had a play earlier in the year, about 10 games before the end of the regular season, and I tried to turn a double play, and the run scored,” Bregman said after the game, via the Houston Chronicle. “So, before the pitch, I was already ready where if it was hit softly, I was going to throw the guy out at the plate, and if it was hit hard, I was going to turn the double play.
The talented rookie then busted out a great NFL comparison.
“As soon as it was hit, I thought, ‘Hey, you better put this on the cash,’ and I pulled out the inner Peyton Manning and threw a dime,” Bregman added.
Put it on the cash, he did.
That inning proved to be the Yankees’ best scoring chance, as the Astros held on for a 4-0 victory to punch their ticket to the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Thumbnail photo via Shanna Lockwood/USA TODAY Sports Images
