Watch Mookie Betts' Incredible Throw To Third Base To Catch Rays' Kiermaier
BOSTON (CBS) -- Mookie Betts is making a strong run at the American League's Most Valuable Player award with his bat alone, but he's also getting it done in the field.
The Red Sox right fielder gunned down the Rays' Kevin Kiermaier at third base with an impeccable throw in the bottom of the eighth inning of the Red Sox' 2-1 win over Tampa Bay Tuesday night. The speedy Kiermaier was trying to stretch a sure double into a triple after hitting a sharp liner down the right field line.
The throw was Betts' 10th outfield assist, which ties him for sixth in the AL with the White Sox' Melky Cabrera. You can watch Betts' amazing play in the clips below.
The strike to third base wasn't just an eye-popping play; it came at a crucial point in the game. Kiermaier represented the tying run as the Rays were only down 2-1 with one out at the time. It's easy to question Kiermaier's decision to try to go for a triple in the first place, but that still doesn't take away the great play Betts made to get him out.
Red Sox setup man Brad Ziegler went on to retire the next batter for a 1-2-3 inning before giving way to Craig Kimbrel, who recorded his 23rd save of the season. The win kept the Red Sox in a first-place tie with the Toronto Blue Jays for the AL East lead - and Betts squarely in the MVP discussion.