The Angels have nothing to play for as the 2023 season winds down, but the players on the field are auditioning for spots on a roster next season, whether with the Halos or another team.
On Saturday, the Halos eked out an impressive 1-0 win over the AL Central champion Minnesota Twins, and one specific play in the 8th inning made it possible.
With a runner on first base and one out, Edouard Julien of the Twins smoked a ball up the middle that looked like a sure base hit.
However, Halos shortstop David Fletcher got to it and somehow flipped it to Michael Stefanic at second base, who caught the ball with his bare hand and threw it to first base for the inning-ending double play. Take a look at it for yourself:
After the game, Stefanic broke down what he saw in the moment.
“It was kind of tough, because I was shifted over in the hole to defend the left-handed hitter. But I saw Fletch had a good chance of getting there so I busted to the bag,” Stefanic said. “He made a good feed and I just thought barehand was the right option, and just tried to get it over there as quick as possible.
“It was kind of fun, it was like a fadeaway jumper. It was a cool play, but Fletch did all the work.”
While the Angels don't have anything to play for, it's always nice to get a win, and it's just as nice to see great plays like this help make it happen.
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