Globe iconLogin iconRecap iconSearch iconTickets icon

Two sacrifice bunt attempts led to spectacular defense in Thursday's Rockies-Phillies game

Twice during Thursday afternoon's game between the Phillies and the Rockies, the sacrifice bunt did not produce the expected result. What they did produce was great defense.
Trailing 1-0 in the fifth inning, the Phillies got their first two men on base, bringing the pitcher, Vince Velasquez, to the plate in a bunt situation. Instead of putting down a successful sacrifice, he popped it up and Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado was having none of it:

Less than two innings later, the Rockies had an adventure of their own on a bunt attempt. With a runner on first and one out, Ian Desmond attempted to advance Charlie Blackmon to second base. Phillies pitcher Pat Neshek dove for a catch that led to not one, but two outs.

These adventures in bunting serve as yet another reminder that, no matter how well thought out a baseball decision may be, an unexpected bounce or display of athleticism can tear the best laid plans asunder.

BarberJordan
beephero
AP_702417634020
NYC