Aug 28, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval (48) reacts after a play against the Houston Astros in the first inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE
During last night’s game between the San Francisco Giants and Houston Astros, Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval and shortstop Brandon Crawford teamed up for an unbelievable diving catch that should be the leading candidate for ‘Catch of the Year’ in Major League Baseball.
Astros catcher Jason Castro popped up into foul territory when Sandoval chased down the ball to make the routine catch but he instead overran the play and tipped the ball straight up into the air. When the ball was floating, Crawford swooped in to make the diving catch and record the out.
You won’t see a more impressive web gem this season than this display of teamwork. Check it out:
The catch came early in the game but the Giants defense kept up the impressive performance to keep things close heading into the ninth inning. San Francisco’s offense couldn’t muster up much of an attack and was down 2-1 entering the final inning. After some hits from Joaquin Arias and Hector Sanchez, the Giants rallied to beat the Astros 3-2.
Giants starting pitcher Matt Cain, who pitched a perfect game against the Astros back on June 13th, acknowledged the defensive effort from his teammates which helped lead to the win.
“It was big,” Cain said. “Those guys have done a great job for me all year, picking me up at times and making some spectacular plays behind me. As a pitcher that just motivates you to keep wanting to go out there and pitch well.”
The Giants advanced to 72-57 and currently sit in first place at 3.5 games ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.
Topics: Brandon Crawford, Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants
