I’m pretty sure this is one of the oddest, coolest things I’ve seen in a while.
In an effort to put out just one batter, the Washington Nationals packed three outstanding plays into one insane moment:
First, and probably most overlooked in this play, is Clint Robinson’s deflection of the hard hit grounder in this August game against the Giants. He’s a good deal away from the bag and deflects the ball with a diving glove. Then, Anthony Rendon makes a fantastic bare handed grab of the deflected ball, flying through the air. Having caught the ball at the top of his leap, Rendon lands as he fires to first base. There, the catch is made by a diving pitcher, Felipe Rivero, who was covering the bag, for the formerly diving Clint Robinson. Rivero, too, makes an outstanding catch, coordinating his steps with the ball and the base perfectly.
There is just so much going on in that play to retire Brandon Crawford, you have to watch it more than once. Wow.