Normally, getting picked off of first base is the worst thing that can happen to a runner. But Alcides Escobar would likely disagree.
Normally, an errant throw on a pickoff attempt is an opportunity for the runner to advance a base. But Escobar didn’t get that opportunity in Thursday’s game. — or maybe even two.
Escobar was on first base in the fourth inning of the Washington Nationals game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pittsburgh pitcher JT Brubaker threw to first base in an attempt to pick Escobar off. Brubaker’s throw went wide and first baseman Yoshi Tsutsugo could not bring it in.
That was unfortunate for Escobar, who got hit in a less than ideal part of the body.
How bad was it? The reaction of first base coach Eric Young Jr. tells a good part of the story. He doubled over in pain and wasn’t even the one who was hit. Also, the reaction of not only the announcers but the crowd tells us how awkward this situation was.
This incident drew a varied response from MLB fans. Some just decided to report the news.
We have to respect the “just the facts” mindset there.
Others applauded Escobar for a high baseball IQ.
Let’s not overlook the presence of mind to call for time on his way down. Move those awareness sliders up on MLB The Show https://t.co/AN4UnwCpJr
— D (@D1Drak3) April 15, 2022
Finally, others just decided to bring the jokes.
https://twitter.com/yinzer41282/status/1514783028786073606
https://twitter.com/Rayterrill/status/1514777501171560462
Fortunately, it seemed as though Escobar was fine. He not only laughed it off but stayed in the game. For that, we can only say that he’s a tougher man than most.