Some plays are so much fun, they beg to be watched again and again.
The Atlanta Braves turned one of those plays Tuesday night against the Minnesota Twins. It’s the type of play you might see in one of those “Strangest plays” videos years from now.
In the fifth inning, Twins outfielder Max Kepler hit a sharp grounder up the middle. Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies ranged to his right, dove and stopped the ball.
While still sliding along the ground, Albies flipped the ball to shortstop Orlando Arcia, who smoked the ball to first to nip Kepler.
Ozzie Albies and Orlando Arcia team up for a RIDICULOUS play! pic.twitter.com/ddk0CUcLlR
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) June 28, 2023
So many things to marvel at here. Albies made a good play just to stop the ball, then had the presence of mind to flip it to Arcia while he was still sliding. And he made a perfect toss.
For his part, Arcia anticipated he might get the ball, positioned himself perfectly, turned and fired a strike to first.
Baseball fans who appreciate a fantastic play liked this one. A lot.
Ozzie Albies and Orlando Arcia have a terrific connection pic.twitter.com/Qsr8Y0KU7I
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) June 28, 2023
I’m sorry are you talking about the NL ALLSTAR SECOND BASEMAN AND SHORTSTOP??
— Dustin (@SwampDragon3) June 28, 2023
That may have been the coolest double play ever lol
— A-Gon (@RealAGon7) June 28, 2023
Holy crap Ozzie Albies!!!! You Gold Glove son of a gun!! What a play!#Braves #WebGem #SCTop10
— Joey Quiroga (@TheRealJoeyQ34) June 28, 2023
Wow. Ozzie Albies just made one of those ridiculous plays… holy smokes… SC Top 10 worthy right there.
— Allan Erickson (@AllanErickson21) June 28, 2023
Ozzie Albies and Orlando Arcia with a web gem 🤯
— Michael Harris II’s Headband (@ATLHeadband) June 28, 2023