There was a sense of inevitability to what was about to happen when San Francisco Giants first baseman Wilmer Flores hit a ground ball to Cincinnati Reds right fielder Aristides Aquino in the top of the ninth inning on Saturday.
With two outs and the Reds up by one run, the Giants sent catcher Joey Bart from second to home on the ground ball into the outfield. Aquino’s throw beat Bart to the plate by a few seconds, which saved the Reds’ 3-2 win at Great American Ball Park.
“I was just asking for the ball,” Aquino said. “If you’re going to get a base hit, hit it to me. I’m going to get that play. That’s what I was thinking about. Then, I got the opportunity and I made the out.”
Aquino has one of the best arms in baseball. His throws from right field have topped 100 mph, and the Giants held multiple runners on Saturday at second or third base when the ball was hit to Aquino.
This time, with two outs and the tying run rounding third base, the Giants went for it, knowing it would take a perfect throw from Aquino to get Bart out at the plate.
As Aquino’s throw sailed from right field, even before Bart was tagged out, the Reds players in the infield started to celebrate.
First baseman Joey Votto pointed his finger in the air as the ball crossed home plate. When second baseman Matt Reynolds saw the throw, he turned his head and knew it was perfect.
From the bench, Reds manager David Bell said that he could “see it coming.” Relief pitcher Tony Santillan said that when the ball was halfway between right field and home plate, he said “We got it” and started cheering. Reds shortstop Kyle Farmer said he saw the throw and immediately and thought, “He’s done.”
“I had no doubt,” Farmer said. “I was shocked that they sent him because Aquino is known for his arm and his great defense. I knew it’d be an out.
As Aquino struggles at the plate, hitting .115 this season, his defense has helped him survive in the big leagues. While Aquino hasn’t been a consistent hitter, Bell has given him opportunities because of how much he trusts Aquino’s defense.