Ever since it became evident that Billy Hamilton would make it to the major leagues, those watching the Cincinnati Reds have wondered if Hamilton's legs alone could make a difference in a pennant race.
After one game, we already know: They have.
Hamilton's big-league debut went just as advertised Tuesday night, when he stole second base as a pinch runner in a fun and intense confrontation with Yadier Molina, and came around to score the tie-breaking run, which was enough for 1-0 victory for the Reds against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Cincinnati (78-61) closed to within 1 1/2 games of the second-place Cardinals in the NL Central, and stayed 7 1/2 up on the Washington Nationals for the last playoff spot in the league.
Hamilton set the minor-league stolen base record in 2012, surpassing the 29-year-old mark of Vince Coleman and finishing with 155 between Single-A and Double-A. He struggled to hit as well in 2013 at Triple-A, but still came away with 75 bags for Louisville. Just 22 years old, Hamilton is at one steal and counting in the majors.
With no score in the bottom of the seventh inning, Reds manager Dusty Baker subbed in Hamilton after Ryan Ludwick hit a leadoff single. Everybody knew what was coming next:
After rookie right-hander Seth Maness made three pickoff attempts, he delivered home and Hamilton sped to second. No matter that behind the plate was catcher Yadier Molina, who has thrown out 42 percent of baserunners this season and 44 percent for his career, Hamilton reached the base in time after sliding feet first.
A better throw might have gotten Hamilton. A perfect throw surely would have. But speed overcomes imperfection. Molina smiled. Next time, he probably said to himself.
After one game, we already know: They have.
Hamilton's big-league debut went just as advertised Tuesday night, when he stole second base as a pinch runner in a fun and intense confrontation with Yadier Molina, and came around to score the tie-breaking run, which was enough for 1-0 victory for the Reds against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Cincinnati (78-61) closed to within 1 1/2 games of the second-place Cardinals in the NL Central, and stayed 7 1/2 up on the Washington Nationals for the last playoff spot in the league.
Hamilton set the minor-league stolen base record in 2012, surpassing the 29-year-old mark of Vince Coleman and finishing with 155 between Single-A and Double-A. He struggled to hit as well in 2013 at Triple-A, but still came away with 75 bags for Louisville. Just 22 years old, Hamilton is at one steal and counting in the majors.
With no score in the bottom of the seventh inning, Reds manager Dusty Baker subbed in Hamilton after Ryan Ludwick hit a leadoff single. Everybody knew what was coming next:
After rookie right-hander Seth Maness made three pickoff attempts, he delivered home and Hamilton sped to second. No matter that behind the plate was catcher Yadier Molina, who has thrown out 42 percent of baserunners this season and 44 percent for his career, Hamilton reached the base in time after sliding feet first.
A better throw might have gotten Hamilton. A perfect throw surely would have. But speed overcomes imperfection. Molina smiled. Next time, he probably said to himself.
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