Twins steal a run by exploiting Tigers' right-handed first baseman

Minneapolis — You don’t often think about the defensive handedness of first basemen. But then again, first basemen are often the most overlooked and underappreciated defenders on the field. But in the sixth inning of the Tigers’ 8-6 loss to the Twins , the fact Colt Keith is a right-handed throwing first baseman became conspicuous.

Down 7-0, Byron Buxton led off the bottom of the sixth with a double and went to third on a single by Austin Martin. Reliever Enmanuel De Jesus got Luke Keaschall to pop out. With one out, the Twins executed a balk-steal play to perfection.

Martin intentionally broke for second early. De Jesus stepped off the mound and threw behind him to first base, trapping him in a rundown. Keith executed his part of the play.

He made a quick throw to Zach McKinstry who ran down Martin and tagged him out. The problem was Buxton. He read the play expertly and the minute Keith pivoted to throw to second, he bolted for home and scored without even a glance from McKinstry.