Jason Lane serves up monster homer to Yasiel Puig, hits homer of his own
The following is a public service announcement from Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig.
The message: Don’t build your executive offices so close to home plate.
We didn’t hear an exact estimate of the distance, but that had to be at least a 460-foot ride for one of the most soundly struck baseballs we’ve seen all spring.
The two-run homer, which came complete with a signature Puig bat flip, happened during Wednesday’s 9-5 victory against the San Diego Padres. And it came against a pitcher whose career has been notable for several unique reasons, including another chapter that was added in this same game.
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The man who served it up was none other than outfielder turned pitcher Jason Lane, who’s also famous for his unscripted role as the home run hitting Houston Astros player in the Oscar-nominated film Boyhood.” Remarkably, Lane made it back to the big leagues after a seven-year absence in new role last season. It was a brief stint, but he’s hoping to make a longer lasting impression this season.
Unfortunately, the home run was one of three Lane allowed in the ballgame, which will greatly damage his chances. But Lane ended his day on a high note when he turned back the clock and connected for his first big league home run since Aug. 13, 2007.
It’s actually extremely rare that a relief pitcher would even get an at-bat during a spring game. Even starting pitchers chances are limited, though obviously that changes as the season grows closer. That means spring homers from pitchers almost never happen, but Lane made the most of his chance on Wednesday, hitting San Diego’s first since Jake Peavy on March 26, 2006.
Unfortunately, it probably couldn’t wash away the anguish of the three home runs allowed, but it’s still cool to see that Lane can still swing the bat. If need be, maybe there’s even life after pitching, as an outfielder once more.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
