The San Diego Padres’ outfielders have been stealing headlines recently, and it’s not just because of their impressive defensive skills. During Monday’s series opener against the New York Mets, Fernando Tatis Jr. showcased his exceptional athleticism and glove work, making a thrilling catch in right center.
Tatis, who covers that area with ease, leaped high off the warning track to retrieve a ball that had seemed like a sure-thing home run for Mark Vientos. The Padres’ star player then stretched his glove over the top of the fence to reel back the ball, leaving Mets fans stunned.
The play was reminiscent of Tatis’s trademark “bandit” style, where he stays one step ahead of hitters and outfielders alike. Even Padres’ play-by-play man Don Orsillo was caught off guard, initially calling it a home run before realizing Vientos had hit it off the wall.
Tatis’s impressive defensive play helped the Padres secure a 7-6 win over the Mets. He also made another impressive catch in the sixth inning, this time taking away a base hit from Ronny Mauricio by hustling towards the foul line and making a smooth catch.
The win marks the Padres’ third straight victory, putting them in decent shape as the season heats up. While they still face stiff competition in the division, their strong atmosphere, talented players like Tatis and Manny Machado, and improved pitching make them a team to watch.
Source: https://defector.com/the-robbin-padres-took-away-a-home-run-before-anyone-knew-what-happened