D-backs’ Alek Thomas makes incredible effort for all-time catch
Aug 22, 2023, 9:40 PM
Any time a ball is hit off an Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher to some part of center field, you know there’s a chance you are about to see something special.
Center fielder Alek Thomas has already produced a handful of memorable catches in his young MLB career but Tuesday’s was undoubtedly his best.
At the start of the top of the ninth inning with a 6-3 D-backs lead over the Texas Rangers, closer Paul Sewald in a 3-2 count to second baseman Marcus Semien saw a fastball drilled to right-center.
Thomas got an unbelievable break on the ball and needed every bit of it to reach the endpoint. After a dead sprint, Thomas fully extended to catch the ball, barrel rolling through the warning track given all the momentum he created.
CATCH OF THE YEAR. 😱 pic.twitter.com/VLPvdWfw82
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 23, 2023
Sewald couldn’t help but laugh while shots of the D-backs dugout inspired several shocked reactions.
Thomas’ catch ultimately might have been the difference in the game. Sewald allowed a walk and two singles after it, which would have gotten some runs on the board without Thomas’ fantastic effort.
The D-backs held on for a 6-3 victory and have now won nine of their last 11 games.
