VIDEO: Molina finally throws out speedy Hamilton
Two days after allowing a career-worst four stolen bases, Yadier Molina showed why he's still considered one of the game's top defensive catchers.
That he made his case against the league's fastest player made it that much sweeter.
Cincinnati Reds speedster Billy Hamilton, the major-league leader in stolen bases, entered Sunday 10-for-10 in steal attempts against St. Louis' All-Star catcher. And after a seventh-inning single, Hamilton put his pristine success rate on the line.
With Hamilton running on Jonathan Broxton's first-pitch fastball, Molina received the ball and fired a perfect strike to the left side of second base to nab Hamilton for the first time in his career.
(Courtesy: MLB.com)
Hamilton was one of two baserunners Molina threw out Sunday, pushing his caught-stealing rate to 40 percent this season - second best in the National League.
"When you have thrown the best baserunner in the league out, it makes you feel good," said Molina, who couldn't help but smile in Hamilton's direction after keeping the speedy center fielder's steal total at 56.
Hamilton, however, was decidedly less enthused: "He threw me out. That's all I have to say."