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Diamondbacks’ Alek Thomas makes absolutely insane catch vs. Padres

Originally posted on MLB on ClutchPoints | By Josh Davis | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 2:00 AM ET

The Arizona Diamondbacks needed something special on Monday night, and Alek Thomas delivered it in jaw-dropping fashion. With a must-win game against the San Diego Padres hanging in the balance, the Arizona center fielder made an insane catch that not only sealed a 6-3 win but may have reignited their push in the tight Wild Card race.

Facing San Diego on the road, the Diamondbacks entered the night at 44-46, desperately needing a victory to stay within reach of a postseason spot. Starter Zac Gallen set the tone early, delivering six innings of one-run ball while striking out nine. His gem gave Arizona just enough cushion, but it was Thomas who ensured the lead held late.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, with the D-Backs clinging to a 6-3 lead, Padres rookie Jackson Merrill launched a deep fly ball to center field. What looked like a surefire extra-base hit turned into an instant classic. Thomas, showcasing elite instincts and closing speed, sprinted to the warning track and made a sliding grab just in front of the wall to end the threat.

The play was so electrifying that MLB’s official X (formerly Twitter) account shared the video with the caption attached to the highlight.

“Alek Thomas tracks it down to make an UNBELIEVABLE catch ”

Alek Thomas tracks it down to make an UNBELIEVABLE catch pic.twitter.com/nIhcQhJ8OD

— MLB (@MLB) July 8, 2025

This game-saving moment capped off a strong team performance. Offensively, Arizona was balanced, producing nine hits and drawing six walks. Josh Naylor’s 413-foot homer and Corbin Carroll’s triple helped push the lead, while Gallen’s efficient outing laid the foundation.

But it’s Thomas’s heroics that stole the spotlight. The insane catch stopped a potential rally and solidified the clubs’ record at 45-46. More importantly, it pulled them within 3.5 games of a Wild Card spot, keeping postseason dreams alive.

The importance of this moment can’t be overstated. Arizona had dropped seven of its last ten games, and momentum was slipping fast. For a bullpen-depleted roster reeling from the injuries to Shelby Miller and Ryan Thompson, the 25-year-old outfielder provided the spark the team desperately needed.

The catch also reinforced Thomas’s status as a top-tier defender. Known for his range and glove work, he continues to show why he’s vital to the Diamondbacks’ playoff hopes. The win, fueled by Gallen’s dominance and Thomas’s magic, may become a defining moment of their season.

This article first appeared on MLB on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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