Astros’ Joey Loperfido stuns with unbelievable barehanded catch in win over Twins

Houston Astros rookie outfielder Joey Loperfido made an indeniable case for catch of the 12 months in Friday evening’s win over the Minnesota Twins. 

The Astros had been holding on to a snug 10-5 lead within the eighth when Minnesota utility man Willi Castro hit a deep fly ball to proper area on a pitch from Houston Astros reliever Luis Contreras. 

Houston Astros proper fielder Joey Loperfido catches a fly ball hit by the Minnesota Twins’ Carlos Correa through the eighth inning of a sport Friday, July 5, 2024, in Minneapolis.  (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)

Looking like an unlikely catch, Loperfido leaped up and managed to glove the ball earlier than it popped out. The rookie then managed to make a barehanded catch on his method down. 

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“In the second, I grabbed it and threw it, and I noticed [Christian Vázquez] operating again to first,” Loperfido stated, by way of MLB.com.

“It was sort of in sluggish movement, and I simply type of snagged it on my method down. But [center fielder] Jake [Meyers] and I had been like, ‘Somebody must be out.’ We didn’t know who. He had an excellent angle and stated, ‘I actually didn’t assume it touched the wall.’ Funny play, cool play. I’d wish to catch it the primary time, however I’ll take it.”

Initially known as a success, Houston challenged the decision, and it was overturned. 

Joey Loperfido, proper, of the Houston Astros celebrates his catch for an out in opposition to the Minnesota Twins with teammate Jake Meyers within the seventh inning at Target Field July 5, 2024, in Minneapolis. The Astros defeated the Twins 13-12.  (David Berding/Getty Images)

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The spectacular show of athleticism was too good even for the Twins to disclaim.  

“It’s received to be, proper?” Twins shortstop Carlos Correa stated of it being the catch of the 12 months, by way of MLB.com 

“I imply, the way in which he climbed up that wall, hit the glove, stayed with it, caught it barehanded. That was very spectacular. He even gave a headache to the umpires, so you know the way loopy that play was.”

The Houston Astros’ Joey Loperfido hits a two-run double in opposition to the Minnesota Twins through the sixth inning of a sport Friday, July 5, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)

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Houston escaped with a slender 13-12 victory after giving up seven runs within the eighth and ninth innings. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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