June 13 (UPI) — Billy Hamilton showed why he is considered one of the most elusive men in baseball during a Cincinnati Reds win against the Kansas City Royals.
The speedster is usually flashing his wheels in the outfield or while taking an extra base. His most recent display came in extra innings during the Reds’ 5-1 win Tuesday at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.
Jose Peraza began the 10th inning with a single for the Reds. He advanced to second base on a throwing error. Hamilton then stepped to the plate and reached base on a fielder’s choice, as Peraza was thrown out at third base.
Scott Schebler followed Hamilton’s at-bat by lining a single into right field, sending Hamilton to third base. Tucker Barnhart stepped into the box for the next exchange. The Reds catcher reached base on a fielder’s choice.
Hamilton got stuck between home and third base on the play, which was a liner knocked down by Royals pitcher Kevin McCarthy. The reliever faked a throw to second base after gathering the ball, prompting Hamilton to jet toward home.
McCarthy threw the ball home to catcher Salvador Perez. The Royals backstop ran toward third before tossing the ball to third baseman Mike Moustakas. Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar ran over to help, taking Moustakas’ place on the hot corner. Escobar and Perez closed in on Hamilton, not leaving him much room to operate.
Perez eventually tossed the ball back to Escobar, who attempted to apply a tag for the second out of the inning. He reached his glove out toward Hamilton’s chest, but the Reds outfielder lunged backwards, avoiding the tag. Hamilton then dove safely into third base.
Royals manager Ned Yost emerged from the dugout, attempting to argue to call, but umpires did not reverse the ruling.
Hamilton came in to score during the next at-bat, when Joey Votto plated three runs with an RBI triple.
“Billy is Billy. That goes down as one of the more crazy things I’ve seen him do,” Barnhart told reporters. “I say it all the time, but I’m glad he’s on my team.”
Hamilton went 0-for-4 in the win. Barnhart went 2-for-5, with an RBI and two runs scored for the Reds.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.