WANTED: @KKiermaier39.
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 17, 2017
HE IS A NOTORIOUS OUTLAW. pic.twitter.com/BGPsm0tKA8
May 17 (UPI) -- The Cleveland Indians were this close to making a comeback Wednesday at Progressive Field, but had its chances robbed by Kevin Kiermaier.
The Tampa Bay Rays outfielder robbed Jason Kipnis of a home run with two outs in the ninth inning of its 7-4 victory. Cleveland's All-Star second baseman was 1-for-5 with an RBI in the loss. Kiermaier was also 1-for-5 at the plate, but provided the play of the game.
Kipnis got in a great hack off of Rays reliever Alex Colome. He slashed the 1-0 pitch toward dead center. Kiermaier stared up at the ball and gave chase, leaping just to the right of the 400 sign.
Kipnis gave an unforgettable look as he was running toward second base, not believing the catch. The Indians lost the three-game series 2-1. Cleveland has now lost three consecutive series, all against American League competition. The Indians resume play at 8:10 p.m. Friday against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.
Upon further review, Dan, we owe you an apology. pic.twitter.com/UshO8DHzsK
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 17, 2017Advertisement
Kiermaier is a two-time Gold Glove Award winner. He is hitting .230 this season with three home runs and 11 RBI. He was also given the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award last season. The center fielder has led the American League in defensive WAR in each of the last two seasons. He has a league-low four errors in 2017 for his position.
