Gio Gonzalez makes a great defensive play on Kris Bryant
By Len Nunes
Washington Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez made a great defensive play to get Kris Bryant out at first base which could have seriously injured both players.
When you hear “great defensive play”, do you think of an outfielder hitting a wall, caring not for his own well-being but only of getting his team an out? Washington Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez is here to adjust your thinking as he throws all caution to the wind rolling into first base desperately trying to record an out.
Kris Bryant’s hit is fielded by Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman who tosses the ball over to Gio Gonzalez, who is scampering over to cover the vacated bag. The toss is behind Gio causing Gonzalez to drop to the ground. Instinct and momentum rolled Gio Gonzalez toward first base.
At the 47 second mark, I see Gio Gonzalez’s leg block first base forcing Chicago Cubs rookie Kris Bryant past the bag. As Gonzalez finishes his roll, he touches first base. At this point Kris Bryant has already passed the base without touching it because, in my opinion, he was interfered with. Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon never left the dugout despite his prize rookie and his first base coach chatting to the umpire about the call.
Admire the desire by Gio Gonzalez but that play was downright dangerous. If Kris Bryant steps on his ankle, both could have been seriously hurt. At least when an outfielder dives into a wall, he only hurts himself.
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