WATCH: Dansby Swanson robs Willson Contreras of a hit |
Tony Crumpton
· · Monday, May 08 2023
Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson made an impressive play in Monday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals, showcasing his gold-glove ability with a beautiful sliding catch and throw to beat out a sprinting Willson Contreras at first base in the fourth inning.
The play happened with one out and a runner on first base, as Contreras hit a hard line drive towards left field with an exit velocity of 117.5 MPH. The ground out was the hardest-hit ball of his career and the hardest-hit ball by a Cardinal in the Statcast era. Swanson quickly reacted to the grounder, making a sliding catch towards the second base side of the infield, then got up and made a strong throw to first base to beat out Contreras by a few steps. Check out the defensive gem below: Easy does it, Dansby 🫡@LieutenantDans7 pic.twitter.com/9nw8HsfE1i
Dansby Swanson's range at shortstop is truly impressive, but don't sleep on Matt Mervis getting some serious picks at first base.
