Jason Heyward saves 2-1 Braves win w/ incredible catch

With the Atlanta Braves leading 2-1 in the bottom of the 9th against the New York Mets, everything seemed to be in firm control for the NL East-leading ball club. After all, they had the best closer on the planet on the mound in Craig Kimbrel, and the Mets offense was flailing wildly amid the rain drops at Citi Field.

However, Kimbrel issued a hit-by-pitch to John Buck, uncorked a wild pitch, and walked Omar Quintanilla to give the Mets two base runners. Justin Turner strolled to the plate in a pinch-hitting role with men on 1st and 2nd, and smacked a line-drive toward the left-center field gap. Then, Gold Glove right fielder Jason Heyward (playing center field on Monday for the injured BJ Upton) took over:

Heyward’s catch was incredible for many reasons, but chiefly among them was the situation. If he fails to secure the catch, the ball ends up in the gap, scoring both runs, and the Mets have a walk-off victory. In addition, the jump that Heyward got on the ball was reminiscent of former Brave (and potential future Hall-of-Famer) Andruw Jones, and was frankly, a thing of beauty. Throw in the driving rain storm and the fact that he was playing out of position, and you have one of the best catches in recent memory.

Sit back, watch, and enjoy.