Phillies starting pitcher, Vince Velasquez plays the OF and throws out a runner, a breakdown

Aug 4, 2019 2.0M views 2:20

What Happened

In a sloppy, extra-inning matchup between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago White Sox, Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez finds himself unexpectedly thrust into an unusual role. With the game tied in the late innings, Phillies manager Rob Thomson calls upon Velasquez to pinch-run for the team's previous pitcher, who had reached base. Velasquez, a right-handed pitcher, dutifully takes his place on the basepaths, but the Phillies are unable to capitalize, resulting in Velasquez having to take the field in left field, while an outfielder is forced to pitch. In the ensuing chaos, White Sox first baseman José Abreu hits a ground ball that gets past the Phillies' defense, allowing him to advance to second base. However, Abreu injures his knee on the play. With Velasquez now stationed in left field, the White Sox attempt to take advantage of the pitcher-turned-outfielder's arm. As the go-ahead run rounds third base, Velasquez fields the ball cleanly and unleashes a perfect one-hop throw to the catcher, who applies the tag, cutting down the runner and preserving the tie game. In the following inning, Velasquez again finds himself involved in the action, this time on the mound. He steps off the rubber and makes a successful pickoff throw to first base, drawing praise from his teammates. However, the White Sox continue to test Velasquez's arm and he responds by making another strong throw to third base, narrowly missing the runner. Velasquez's defensive heroics continue as he makes a diving catch in the outfield, much to the delight of the Phillies dugout. Despite the Phillies' eventual loss, Velasquez's versatility and ability to make crucial plays in unfamiliar positions have left a lasting impression on both teams and the fans in attendance.

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the White Sox and Phillies played a

beautifully sloppy game of baseball the

other day Extra Innings man on first

pitcher tries to bunt them over to get

him in scoring position doesn't work