Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Tyrone Taylor had perhaps the slide of the year during a game against the Miami Marlins. This play occurred during the fifth inning when he was attempting to score on a single hit by teammate Sal Frelick. The baseball clearly beat him to the spot, but an excellent slide to the inside part of home plate resulted in the catcher missing him and the Brewers taking the lead.
Entering the fifth inning, the Brewers trailed the Marlins by a score of 1-2. Taylor's RBI tied it, and then he had the sensational slide at home plate to give Milwaukee the lead. He also added another insurance run by hitting an RBI double in the seventh inning. From there, his bullpen held on to secure a 4-2 victory and a series win.
After the game Taylor said about the slide, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN) “I think it’s all instinctual, it’s nothing I really think of. Just trying to avoid it.” In reference to having to slide to the inside part of home plate he said, “It was awkward for me, so that one was different for me. Might be the first time I’ve done that. Glad it worked out.”
This is not the first time that Taylor has secured the Brewers via his excellent sliding ability. His speed, knowledge and ability to read where to slide in a split second is an underrated aspect of his game. On Thursday, his highlight play brought those abilities into the light.
More must-reads: