Jorge Soler’s perfect throw to cut down Tony Cruz in the 6th inning was a huge moment. At the time, although I was impressed by the play, I wasn’t altogether happy about it, given that the Cardinals had just tied the game.
In retrospect, however, how freaking huge was that play? Without it, not only do the Cardinals take the lead (and who knows how that alters the rest of the game), but that inning is still going.
And what a perfect, cannon throw it was:
Soler’s overall defense still needs work in right – there’s no reason to believe he can’t get better – but you can’t teach that arm. Statcast had the throw at 92.7 mph, and he also got it off quickly. Then, the throw itself was absolutely perfect: right spot, great bounce, well-timed. Good job by Miguel Montero to apply the tag quickly, too.