ATLANTA -- When Alex Verdugo said, “Awesome,” he wasn’t referring to how he felt after giving the Braves a 4-3, walk-off win over the Nationals on Monday night at Truist Park. He instead was describing the incredible catch that Michael Harris II made in the fourth inning.
“Man, I’m not even surprised anymore,” Verdugo said. “He’s got so much range. The way he covers ground and reads balls and everything. He’s been a really fun outfielder for me to watch.”
While the ninth inning became more stressful than desired, this was a good way for the Braves to begin distancing themselves from this past weekend’s frustrating series loss in Pittsburgh. Closer Raisel Iglesias surrendered a pair of singles on pitches off the plate, and the Nationals scored two runs on a game-tying throwing error committed by sure-handed shortstop Nick Allen, who entered the day ranked second among all MLB players with 8 Outs Above Average.
Verdugo erased the sting of Allen’s first error of the season and Iglesias’ blown save with his game-ending single up the middle against left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin. But the evening’s most memorable highlight was created when Harris sprinted to rob Luis García Jr. of an extra-base hit in the fourth.
“I don’t really have words for it,” Braves starting pitcher Grant Holmes said. “It was amazing. One of the best catches I’ve ever seen. To have it happen when I’m pitching to end the inning makes it that much more special.”
Holmes surrendered a one-out homer to James Wood and minutes later surrendered a two-out single to Keibert Ruiz. It looked like the Nationals tied it when García followed with a laser. But …
“Once I committed to making that effort, I knew I had to catch it,” Harris said.
Harris raced 74 feet to get to the long drive that came off García’s bat with an exit velocity of 100.4 mph. The 24-year-old center fielder turned to his left, raced with his back to the plate and turned around just in time to catch the ball before his back hit the outfield wall.
“It’s amazing how he can keep it in [sight] with his gait and everything,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “His eyes aren’t bouncing or whatever. The coordination to catch those balls is phenomenal.”
Harris kept his head bowed as he shook his head and Holmes’ mouth was open as he had his arms crossed behind his head. Braves first baseman Matt Olson held up one finger, possibly saying that play would rank No. 1 among the day’s defensive gems.
What did Olson say when they returned to the dugout?
“I think he told me, 'That was crazy,'” Harris said. “That was one of my best ones. To impress him is hard. So I'm glad I was able to do that.”
Harris’ catch prevented Ruiz from scoring what would have been a game-tying run from first base. It also righted Holmes, who surrendered just two more hits during his 6 1/3-inning effort.
“After saving a run, you can’t do anything but feel good, especially when you help stop the momentum,” Harris said.
Many of the Braves’ key contributors are hoping this game helps create some momentum. Going back two weeks to an April 28 series opener at Coors Field and extending through Sunday’s loss to the Pirates, Harris had a .536 OPS. That was better than the marks produced by Marcell Ozuna (.511) and Verdugo (.463).
Each of these three players enjoyed a two-hit game in this series opener. Ozuna homered and also teamed with Harris to notch one of the four consecutive two-out hits surrendered by Jake Irvin in Atlanta’s two-run third.
“When they lay their head on the pillow tonight, they feel good about things and wake up ready to get to the ballpark tomorrow,” Snitker said.
Somewhere in between, Harris and Holmes might both have sweet dreams about what was a sweet catch.
“It was awesome,” Holmes said.