Normally, getting picked off of first base is the worst thing that can happen to a runner. But Alcides Escobar would likely disagree.
Normally, an errant throw on a pickoff attempt is an opportunity for the runner to advance a base. But Escobar didn’t get that opportunity in Thursday’s game. — or maybe even two.
Escobar was on first base in the fourth inning of the Washington Nationals game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pittsburgh pitcher JT Brubaker threw to first base in an attempt to pick Escobar off. Brubaker’s throw went wide and first baseman Yoshi Tsutsugo could not bring it in.
That was unfortunate for Escobar, who got hit in a less than ideal part of the body.
Alcides Escobar is a true warrior for being able to laugh this off pic.twitter.com/B52gzusS95
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 15, 2022
How bad was it? The reaction of first base coach Eric Young Jr. tells a good part of the story. He doubled over in pain and wasn’t even the one who was hit. Also, the reaction of not only the announcers but the crowd tells us how awkward this situation was.
This incident drew a varied response from MLB fans. Some just decided to report the news.
Escobar on the Nationals just took one to the nards on a pickoff attempt.
— Lee W (@lee_w18) April 14, 2022
We have to respect the “just the facts” mindset there.
Others applauded Escobar for a high baseball IQ.
Let’s not overlook the presence of mind to call for time on his way down. Move those awareness sliders up on MLB The Show https://t.co/AN4UnwCpJr
— D (@D1Drak3) April 15, 2022
Dude called for time before keeling over!!! https://t.co/dNEnpYndL9
— Robin Adams (@theotherRobin19) April 15, 2022
Had the presence of mind to call time on his way down, too.
Dude. https://t.co/3w9d863KuL
— Chris Long (@ChrisLongKSTP) April 15, 2022
Finally, others just decided to bring the jokes.
https://twitter.com/yinzer41282/status/1514783028786073606
Ding! https://t.co/tRm1hxHHxX
— Steve S. (@nyisles316) April 15, 2022
Hornets fans in the 3rd quarter https://t.co/xPzSerbnjb
— MikeyMenz (@michaelmenzer14) April 15, 2022
https://twitter.com/Rayterrill/status/1514777501171560462
Will 👏 always 👏 be 👏 funny 🥜 https://t.co/16SlasTyvJ
— The Undertaking! (@_theundertaking) April 15, 2022
This is one of the most entertaining baseball moments I've ever seen https://t.co/Ffo9rvC8Go
— Felix (@RFelixFinch) April 15, 2022
Ball 2? https://t.co/wHGS9WVc4n
— 🔥 Frisco Flame 🔥 (@FriscoFlame) April 15, 2022
Fortunately, it seemed as though Escobar was fine. He not only laughed it off but stayed in the game. For that, we can only say that he’s a tougher man than most.
