ST. LOUIS – There is something majestic about a well-executed relay throw, the way a defense comes together in harmony with all their moving parts to stop a runner in his tracks.
The Cincinnati Reds needed a perfect play to keep a lead in the third inning Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals. With two runners on base and two outs, Paul Goldschmidt hit a ground ball down the third-base line.
Protecting a two-run lead, TJ Friedl fielded the double against the wall in foul territory. The runner from second easily scored. Friedl kept his balance as his foot slid in the dirt and hurried a throw to shortstop Kyle Farmer, who caught the ball and threw to the plate in one motion without as much as hopping his feet.