Not all baseball players are athletes but Diamondbacks outfielder Jake McCarthy is the definition of an athlete. Standing at 6’3 200 lbs, McCarthy covers a lot of ground in the outfield; I mean a lot.
Not only was Jake’s catch incredible, but it also came at the best time. Allow me to paint the scene. It is the bottom of the 8th, the D-backs are up 8-5. Drey Jameson gets two quick outs and then gives up a double to 2B Jake Cronenworth. Then the next batter Matt Carpenter walks on 4 pitches. Oh no, here comes another bullpen meltdown right?
Thankfully, no. With 2 outs and men on 1st and 2nd, Padres catcher Austin Nola steps up to the dish. After falling behind 3-0, Drey Jameson battles back and on the 3-1 pitch, Nola hits a fly ball into right field. It keeps tailing, and tailing, and tailing, looking like it is surely heading for the seats in foul territory. But then, a grey blur races towards the ball. Is that Superman, or maybe it’s even the Flash? No, it’s Jake McCarthy…
Jake McCarthy tumbles over the wall and holds on for the catch! pic.twitter.com/w13jOqdnn6
— MLB (@MLB) April 4, 2023
At max speed and without a single ounce of fear in his mind, McCarthy snags the ball and tumbles over the wall in right field, literally going head over heels. This catch would end the inning, and end the threat of another Padres comeback. Pat yourself on the back Mr. Kent, I mean McCarthy; you deserve it!
Tuesday’s afternoon win had just about everything you could think of in a baseball game and Jake did just about everything you could think of in a baseball game. Making the unbelievable catch was obviously the highlight of his day but he also went 2-3 with 2 runs and a walk at the plate; he also swiped a bag. Man, what can’t this kid do? Next thing we know he will be pitching and we will be forced to call him Jake Ohtani…