Steven Souza hits home run, bunts ‘home run’ in return to Washington
With perhaps the most thrilling and equally incredible play of the entire 2014 season, then Washington Nationals outfielder Steven Souza saved Jordan Zimmermann’s no-hitter with a sensational diving catch to rob Christian Yelich of the Miami Marlins.
That was on Sept.27, which marked the final day of the 2014 regular season and Souza’s final regular game with the Nationals. During the offseason, he was shipped to the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-team deal that was headlined by Wil Myers going to the San Diego Padres.
Wednesday night served as Souza’s return to Washington, and it was most fitting that the Nationals man on the hill was Jordan Zimmermann. The same player he’d helped make history, and the same former teammate who’d rewarded his effort with a gift card to Best Buy.
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It’s a connection that will always exist, and a friendship that will likely persevere as a result, and that’s part of what made Wednesday’s matchup so special. Of course, for Souza, the matchup was especially special because he earned bragging rights with a solo home run in his first at-bat.
The home run also broke up Zimmermann’s no-hitter. It was only six batters in, but that’s still true.
It also helped set the pace in Tampa Bay’s 5-0 victory. But it would hardly be the most memorable play involving Souza.
With the rain falling in the eighth inning, Souza attempted to catch the Nationals offguard and perhaps use the sloppy field conditions to his advantage with a bunt.
That would prove to be a brilliant idea.
Thanks to throwing errors by Bryce Harper and reliever Blake Treinen, both David DeJesus and Souza were able to race around the bases.
In the scorebook, that’s a single, E1 and E9. For Steven Souza, it’s the ultimate capper in a very successful return to Washngton. Everywhere else, it will simply be referred to as a Little League home run, or the most embarrassing play possible for a team of defense.
Kids, do not try this at your local ball diamond.
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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
