One of the most iconic moments in MLB history is a home run robbery, but the Boston Red Sox took it to a whole new level on Wednesday.
During a game against the Detroit Tigers, with the score tied 5-5, reliever Liam Hendriks faced Kerry Carpenter in the seventh inning. Hendriks allowed a long fly ball that seemed destined to be a home run, until Gold Glove right-fielder Wilyer Abreu made an incredible play by getting a glove on it just as it was about to clear the fence.
But the play didn’t end there. Abreu bobbled the ball back into play, where center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela was waiting to complete a two-man home run robbery.
The umpire crew reviewed the play and confirmed the rare 9-8 putout, much to the delight of Hendriks.
As Hendriks put it, “That’s why you always hustle to back up your fellow outfielder.”
Witnessing such a unique play like the Boston Red Sox’s home run robbery is what makes baseball so special. (Photo by Allan Dranberg/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Hendriks praised both outfielders after the game and hinted at gifts for their outstanding performance, as reported by MassLive’s Chris Cotillo:
“I don’t think I’ve seen that …,” he said. “[My reaction was] ‘Thank God.’ It was a hell of catch. Off the bat, I was like, ‘Oh, crap.’ Then I saw Willy drifting back and thought maybe we had a chance. Didn’t think it was that chance.”
“You see these guys. Willy’s got a Gold Glove for a reason.”
Despite the highlight-reel play, the Red Sox ultimately fell short as Aroldis Chapman gave up a walk-off single to Tigers pinch-hitter Justyn-Henry Malloy in the ninth inning.