Suzuki's sweet trick slide highlights 4-run rally

June 27th, 2018

ATLANTA -- Asked when he thought he might be in trouble when he attempted to score during the fourth inning of Wednesday afternoon's 6-5 loss to the Reds, Braves catcher said, "Right when Wash [third-base coach Ron Washington] started sending me."
Washington's aggressive attempt to have Suzuki score from second base on 's single to left field proved successful when catcher Curt Casali had to go a couple steps up the first-base line to receive 's throw.
As Casali dove back toward the plate, Suzuki managed to lift his left arm up and avoid the tag before touching home.
"I had a feeling he was going to dive back, just because it was going to be a close play," Suzuki said. "My best chance would obviously be sliding and then maneuvering my hand around him. I just went that way."
Suzuki's elusive slide was reminiscent of the one he successfully made as a member of the Twins to avoid 's tag when Minnesota and Kansas City played on Aug. 16, 2014. Coincidentally, Suzuki scored that run on a ball hit by current Braves teammate Danny Santana.