SouthernWorldwide.com – Chicago Cubs star Nico Hoerner showcased a play reminiscent of a basketball assist, throwing the baseball between his legs to execute a remarkable defensive maneuver on a bunt.
During the fifth inning of the Cubs’ 3-0 defeat against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field on Saturday afternoon, Hoerner demonstrated his exceptional defensive capabilities. Astros catcher César Salazar attempted to surprise Cubs starting pitcher Colin Rea and secure an early bunt single on the very first pitch of the inning.
Hoerner, a distinguished two-time Gold Glove winner, swiftly advanced towards Salazar’s bunt. Salazar’s running speed presented Hoerner with limited options after he successfully fielded the ball with his bare hand.
As the saying goes, necessity is often the mother of invention.
The 29-year-old infielder, in a single, fluid motion, swung his right leg behind him. This created an unexpected opening, allowing him to throw the ball between his legs towards first base, despite his momentum carrying him towards home plate. First baseman Michael Busch completed the impressive play by stretching out, catching Hoerner’s dazzling throw, and successfully nabbing the swift Salazar for the out.
Hoerner’s unique through-the-legs throw immediately brought to mind similar memorable plays by former MLB pitchers Bartolo Colon of the New York Mets and Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox, both of whom executed plays of a comparable nature.
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Bartolo Colon, on one occasion, fielded a weak grounder from Miami Marlins first baseman Justin Bour near the first-base line and casually tossed the ball behind his back to secure the out.
In another instance, Mark Buehrle was struck in the foot by a batted ball, causing it to deflect into foul territory along the first-base side. He quickly recovered, retrieved the ball, and flipped it with his glove between his legs to record the out.
Similar to Colon and Buehrle’s iconic moments, Hoerner’s exceptional play is destined to be replayed on highlight reels for years to come.
Regrettably for the Cubs, Hoerner’s standout defensive performance was one of the few bright spots in their loss to the Astros.
The Cubs, holding a record of 29-23, will aim to rebound in the final game of their three-game series against the Astros (22-31) on Sunday at 2:20 p.m. ET, hoping to avoid a series sweep.
