Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt have made some unbelievable defensive plays over the course of their careers. It’s why they have 13 Gold Glove Awards between the two of them. So, when both players can’t hold back their smiles after a play, you know something ridiculous just occurred.
That’s exactly what happened on Saturday night.
During the St. Louis Cardinals’ game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Alek Thomas hit a grounder that took a crazy hop off the plate towards the middle of the infield. It was the kind of hop that should have resulted in an infield hit every time. But Arenado is on another level.
Are you serious, Goldenado?! pic.twitter.com/YHUyvKHl10
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) August 21, 2022
Arenado fielded the high bounce with his barehand, and in a fluid motion, fired off a hard throw in the dirt to Goldschmidt. As impressive as Arenado’s effort was, you really can’t overlook that scoop from Goldschmidt. He had almost no time to react to such a hard throw from short range, and yet, Goldschmidt managed to get his glove in the perfect spot for the scoop.
After the game, Goldschmidt tried to play off his part in the Web Gem as luck, but there aren’t many other first basemen who make that play.
Goldy tells @TheCatOnBallyTV that he was blown away by Arenado's insane play: "I couldn't help but laugh and smile at that. … I just had to take that moment in and be thankful I was a part of it."
Brought to you by your Mid-America Chevy Dealers. https://t.co/4ESrl0L9ks pic.twitter.com/R2v9FXjmPt
— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) August 21, 2022
MLB fans, of course, were also impressed.