Blue Jays’ Brandon Belt on bunt attempt to break up Tigers’ no-hit bid: ‘We’re trying to win a ballgame’

Brandon Belt was trying to get on base any way possible in the ninth inning of Saturday’s 2-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers, even if it meant laying down a bunt for the Toronto Blue Jays’ first hit.

As Belt stepped to the plate in the ninth at Comerica Park, the Tigers were just two outs away from history, needing to retire the veteran lefty and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to complete the ninth no-hitter in franchise history – their second against the Blue Jays. But it was almost denied by the former San Francisco Giant.

With Detroit’s defence playing back, the 35-year-old considered bunting for a base hit – a feat he pulled off numerous times before infield shifts became illegal this season – which would’ve brought the tying run to the plate. For some, though, this would have been very controversial.

The score, however, had a massive impact on Belt’s unsuccessful bunt attempt. If Toronto trailed by more than two runs, bunting for a single wouldn’t have crossed his mind. Upon reading Detroit’s defenders, he figured it was worth trying to place a ball down the third base foul line.

If not for Tigers closer Alex Lange throwing a first-pitch ball off the plate, Belt almost certainly would’ve tried to break up their no-hit bid via a bunt single.