Reds Catcher Pulls Off Jaw-Dropping Slide vs. Rockies
Just before the All-Star break, Tyler Stephenson delivered one of the most creative slides MLB fans have seen this season.
In Sunday’s game against the Colorado Rockies, the Cincinnati Reds catcher drilled a ball into left field and turned on the jet, stretching a single into a double. But the play at second was tight Yanquiel Fernández fired a one-hop laser to Kyle Farmer. And it looked like Stephenson was cooked.
How He Avoided the Tag with a Mid-Slide Pop-Up
Instead of sliding straight in, Stephenson pulled off a rare pop-up slide twist. Lifting his hands and contorting his body mid-slide to completely avoid the tag. His awkward, but genius move left Farmer tagging air, and the umpire ruled him safe.
Even the Rockies broadcast crew was stunned. And fans on social media instantly declared it one of the best base-running highlights of the season.
Stephenson’s awareness and instincts turned what looked like an out into a momentum-shifting double. Plays like this showcase the hidden athleticism of catchers in today’s game.
Interestingly, this jaw-dropping moment comes just days after Bobby Witt Jr. pulled off a similar maneuver. He did that to avoid being tagged at home plate against the Mariners. It seems MLB players are taking sliding creativity to a new level.
Stephenson’s play was not only flashy but also timely. Further Helping the Reds keep momentum in a close game heading into the All-Star break. It could easily become one of the season’s defining hustle plays.
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