It was one out. Only one out.
Heck, the Rays still had to get 26 afterward. So much impact could a caught fly ball have to do with things?
Except everything.
Kevin Kiermaier made his defensive play of the season, and maybe the defensive play of the season, Monday night to highlight a 6-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. On the opening at-bat of the evening, Manny Machado hit a potential home run to centerfield. But Kiermaier timed it perfectly, leaping to take away a home run and erase an early deficit.
For Kiermaier, it was perhaps the first entry on a personal highlight film. He leads the major leagues with 12 triples. He is tied for the league with 13 runners thrown out from the outfield. And in the month of August, he is hitting .330 with 13 RBI.
Kiermaier jammed his ankle on his landing after the catch and had to leave the game. He is listed as day to day.
For the Rays, it brought the team back to within one game of .500. The Orioles have now lost 10 of 11 and are playing chase in the league.
Chris Archer struggled early, but he threw six innings of four-hit, no-run baseball. The Rays got home runs from Asdrubal Cabrera, Evan Longoria and Tim Beckham. He is second in the American League with 223 strikeouts. Logan Forsythe went three-for-four, missing the cycle only by a home run.
Tonight, the Rays start Drew Smyly against Chris Tillman.
