NEW YORK — Before Drew Smyly threw his first pitch during the third inning Tuesday night in Boston to Mookie Betts with the bases loaded and no outs, before Betts even settled into the batter’s box, Evan Longoria had finished his mental checklist and knew what he would do if the ball was hit his way.
He was playing behind the third base bag, but close enough to the base to give himself options.
If the ball was hit right at him, Longoria was throwing home to get the force at the plate.
If the ball was hit to his right, he was going to step on third, then throw home to get the runner, Chris Young.