You don’t see a catch like this every day.
Ranging into foul territory down the right field line during Wednesday’s game against the Pirates, Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski ran out of room as the ball sailed out of play — but then he sailed out of play, too.
In the top of the eighth inning, Yastrzemski leaped straight over the wall and into the netting, making the catch and holding on for the out to send Jack Suwinski back to the dugout.
It’s normal to see a fielder simply try and make a reaching grab over the wall or just let the ball sail into the stands, but Yastrzemski didn’t hesitate to leave the field of play and launch himself over the wall for the catch.
The right fielder had to be helped off the netting by an umpire and a fan who had scurried his way to aid the right fielder.
Yastrzemski was greeted by first baseman Dominic Smith, who gave him a celebratory rear-end tap while the outfielder casually flipped him the ball as if the absurd catch was no big deal.
Pitcher Tristan Beck was astounded, and likely very grateful, for the foul ball that turned into an out. Catcher Patrick Bailey gave a classy tip of the cap.
The play easily has a case for the catch of the year with the snag, though Athletics’ Denzel Clarke may still have him beat.
The grab on Wednesday came in the top of the eighth inning with the game tied at 1-1. While it would’ve simply been a foul ball if Yastrzemski didn’t make the catch, the extra out was still pivotal.
Unfortunately for San Francisco, though, the catch became overshadowed by the fact that the Pirates won the game, 2-1, in extra innings.
At the plate, Yastrzemski went 1-for-3 with a single.
The highlight was one of the few bright spots for the Giants recently, as they are now losers of 14 of their last 16 games, including their last six. They now sit a game below .500 at 54-55.
While San Francisco traded for Rafael Devers last month, the team has quickly transitioned into sellers at the trade deadline and moved reliever Tyler Rogers to the Mets.