In an alternate universe, the Yankees took the lead in the third inning of ALDS Game 2 on Saturday thanks to a hard-hit double by Chase Headley and a well-placed triple from Brett Gardner one batter later.
But in this universe, Astros outfielder Josh Reddick exists.
Reddick, with a little help from Carlos Correa, stomped out a Yankees rally on a pair of excellent defensive plays.
First, the Houston right fielder robbed Headley of what would have been at least an extra-base hit and maybe even a home run.
Josh Reddick says NOPE. https://t.co/De1LsGa5sn
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 14, 2017
The very next batter after that catch was Brett Gardner, who pulled a line drive to right field, against an Astros shift. Gardner rounded second and headed to third (waved on by third-base coach Joe Espada) and would have likely arrived safely if not for Reddick’s quick and accurate throw into the infield and Correa’s bullet relay to the bag.
Gardner was initially ruled safe, but replay revealed that he was in fact out at third, thanks to a swift tag by third baseman Alex Bregman. It was, all around, a gem of a defensive play by the Astros.
OUT. GOT HIM. pic.twitter.com/jEYustVUOt
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 14, 2017
Gardner was criticized for making the third out at third base with Aaron Judge up next, while Espada was similarly dinged for sending him, but some credit goes to Reddick and Correa for an impeccable relay.
Brett Gardner wasn't dawdling — his 11.24 home-to-3rd time was his 3rd fastest of the year — but perfect relays by Reddick/Correa got him. pic.twitter.com/pDFIUI9ysc
— Matt Kelly (@mattkellyMLB) October 14, 2017
As of this writing, the Astros lead the Yankees 1-0 thanks to an opposite-field home run by Carlos Correa.
