Peterson robs Gonzalez with great catch

LOS ANGELES -- Jace Peterson proved that Andrelton Simmons is not the only Braves middle infielder who is capable of producing jaw-dropping defensive gems.

Peterson certainly caught the attention of all who were watching when he robbed Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez of a single in the third inning of Monday night's game at Dodger Stadium, which the Braves lost, 6-3. The Braves second baseman sprinted into shallow right field and fully extended while catching the ball just before his body slammed into the outfield grass.

"That was pretty amazing," Simmons said. "I don't know how he made that. He was full speed when he went back and then he was in a weird position and fully extended. That was the best I've seen this year."

The catch might have been reminiscent of some of the interceptions Peterson recorded while serving as a defensive back at McNeese State University. But at the same time, it was an indication of why the Braves have been comfortable to utilize him as their everyday second baseman over the past month.

Peterson entered Monday having hit .307 in his past 24 games. He recorded his first career grand slam on May 16 and notched his first walk-off-hit Saturday.

Now, Peterson has the thrill of knowing that he produced a defensive gem that likely left even Simmons no choice but to be impressed.