Dustin Pedroia alertly fields deflection for impressive 3-4-1 putout

After eight full big-league seasons and four Gold Gloves, we’ve come to expect impressive plays from Dustin Pedroia. So while a great play on Thursday night isn’t exactly surprising, it’s still worth watching and tipping your cap.

The Red Sox were leading the Mariners 1-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning when starter Joe Kelly loaded the bases. With two out, Dustin Ackley hit a hard chopper toward first that Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli bobbled and let get away from him. But instead of the ball deflecting dangerously into the outfield – and multiple runs scoring – Pedroia scooped it up on the fly and fired it to Kelly at first for the rarely-seen 3-4-1 putout. Kelly also deserves some credit for covering first and the foot-work involved. That’s what pitcher’s fielding practice is for.  

It came at a big moment in the game, too. The Red Sox held that 1-0 lead until the Mariners tied it in the sixth, then rallied for the winning run in the ninth thanks to an embarrassing fielding error by Rickie Weeks, who should take some lessons from Pedroia.

With more plays like that Pedroia should be well on his way to a fifth Gold Glove award.

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Ian Denomme is an editor and writer for Yahoo Sports. Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter.