Globe iconLogin iconRecap iconSearch iconTickets icon

Billy Hamilton's speed helped the Reds swipe victory from the jaws of defeat

The Reds were in dire straits on Wednesday night in Cleveland. They trailed the defending American League champions in the ninth inning, 3-2, and though they had runners on first and second, they were down to their last two outs. Cleveland closer Cody Allen hadn't blown a save since last August, either.
The batter hit a ground ball to first base, and initially, it seemed like Carlos Santana successfully pulled off the 3-6-3 double play to end the game. The Indians celebrated the victory on the field.
The only problem? The batter was the blazing fast Billy Hamilton.

Replay review determined that Hamilton was safe. The game had to continue.
Two pitches later, Hamilton's speed came into play again when Zack Cozart ripped a single into left field. Michael Brantley's diving attempt came up short, and the tying run easily scored. The ball lingered in front of Brantley for too long. Most runners would have only made it to third, at best.
Hamilton scored. The Reds would win the game, 4-3

"I had 'score' in my head the whole time once I saw him dive," Hamilton said to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. "I didn't see [third-base coach Billy] Hatcher. I didn't look at Hatcher. I was going to go no matter what, even if he tried to stop me. It's just something that I made up in my mind rounding second."
That definitely qualifies as a "Mad Dash."

BarberJordan
beephero
AP_702417634020
NYC