Major League Baseball pitchers traditionally aren’t known for their defense, but one Dodgers reliever turned in a Gold Glove-worthy play Wednesday night in a pivotal moment.
Left-handed setup man Caleb Ferguson entered the game in a jam after starter Bobby Miller allowed the first two runners to reach base in the bottom of the seventh inning. Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo squared around to bunt, but his attempt got too much air under it. Ferguson darted off the mound, made a diving catch, then turned and threw out Alek Thomas at second base to escape trouble in a tie game with a double play.
Here’s a look at the impressive play:
Dodgers reliever Caleb Ferguson just laid out to catch a bunt mid-air then doubled up the runner at second pic.twitter.com/iVF23rO7MZ
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 10, 2023
Who says pitchers aren’t athletes?
Fans showed their appreciation for Ferguson’s willingness to get dirty on social media.
Play of the game by Caleb “The Cat” Ferguson. https://t.co/EYpfiBswb7
— 🇺🇦LADodgersBurner🇺🇦 (@dodgers_burner) August 10, 2023
Tell your kids about the effort by Caleb Ferguson on 8/9/23 https://t.co/GNodIApQbX
— Scott_Alexander_Stan 💙 (@Scttalxndrstan) August 10, 2023
Pitchers are athletes 🔥 https://t.co/LiIP0TlOjH
— C̾a̾n̾s̾o̾ (@RealCanoLaFlare) August 10, 2023
PITCHERS ARE ATHLETES 🗣️🗣️🗣️ https://t.co/CFMaxJgXcx
— Beau Wright (@LeftbutWright35) August 10, 2023
The play ended up being a turning point in the game. Ferguson got the final out in the bottom of the seventh, and David Peralta singled home a pair of runs in the next half-inning to give the Dodgers a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, helping the Los Angeles extend its division lead to six games.
Meanwhile, it’s yet another crushing defeat for the slumping Diamondbacks, who have now lost eight straight to fall out of the NL Wild Card.
