Watch: Nationals catcher Alex Avila makes clutch unassisted play against Phillies

Originally posted on DC Sports King | By King Motley | Last updated 6/5/21

Filling in for Yan Gomes, Washington Nationals catcher Alex Avila made a heads-up play in the ninth to help the Nats preserve a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Some Phillies faithful refer to the play as a brain fart by pinch-runner Travis Jankowski.

Following a lead-off double by Ryan Hoskins, Jankowski came in to pinch-run representing the game-tying run with the Nats ahead 2-1.

After a pitch in the dirt by Nationals reliever Daniel Hudson, Avila was able to bait Jankowski to get caught in no man’s land between second and third.

WHAT THE HELL IS JANKOWSKI DOING?! #Phillies #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/YqLljg5u7L
— Brodes Media (@BrodesMedia) June 5, 2021

Jankowski figuratively got his feet stuck dirt, as Avila charged at him. With options of running back to the bag at second or make a mad dash for third, Jankowski got caught up as Avila approached him and tagged him out.

Yes, a baserunner somehow got tagged out between second and third by a catch, unassisted!

Following the game Avila said he practiced that play a ton in high school and college. The key was to cut off third base from Jankowski.

But since Travis Jankowski didn't make a choice, Alex Avila winds up going all the way to him and forcing him out of the base path to record the out. He says it is fundamental for a catcher, even if you'll often see guys throw to one base and start a pickle.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) June 5, 2021

Amazing play or brain fart, nonetheless, Avila came up with a big out. Hudson retired the next two batters to get the save without the pressure of a runner in scoring position.

This article first appeared on DC Sports King and was syndicated with permission.

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