Kendrys Morales avoids tag, scores run with incredible slide
Kansas City Royals designed hitter Kendrys Morales is rarely among the most athletic players on the field, hence the reason he’s paid almost exclusively to hit.
However, during Friday night’s game in Toronto, he managed to shock everyone watching by pulling off one of the most ridiculous slides we’ve seen all season.
[Play a Daily Fantasy contest for cash today!l]
It happened in the first inning with Kansas City already on the board and threatening for more. With runners on second and third and two outs, newly-acquired Ben Zobrist delivered a clean single to right field off Toronto starter Drew Hutchinson. Lead runner Eric Hosmer scored easily from third, but a play was clearly developing with Morales coming around third and Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista charging.
Though his right shoulder hasn’t been healthy all season, Bautista fired a strong throw home that was slightly to the first base side but had Morales beat by plenty. Catcher Russell Martin collected the ball and turned to make what should have been an easy tag. However, Morales managed to halt his momentum, pop to his feet and step right around as he Martin’s mometum carried him by.
Let us admire from above.
That rivals Mike Trout’s acrobatic slide earlier this season in Boston. Only it isn’t Mike Trout or anyone comparable from an athletic standpoint. It’s Kendrys Morales. The same guy who once broke his ankle jumping on home plate while celebrating a walk-off grand slam.
Needless to say, he’s not the most graceful or nimble on his feet, but Morales looked the part times ten on Friday. If not the best baserunning play of the season, it’s certainly the most shocking and for that we humbly tip our cap in tribute.
[Every deal that happened on MLB trade-deadline day.]
The only thing that could have made it better for Kansas City would Morales’ run holding up a difference in the game. That would not be the case, as Toronto overcame two separate three-run deficits to win 7-6 in innings.
More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:
– – – – – – –
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
