Verdict’s in: Bradley robs Judge in style
David Price knew his firstpitch fastball to Aaron Judge was trouble the instant the Yankees slugger hit it. The Red Sox pitcher kicked his leg out as he turned around to watch the ball’s fate.
Price knew what Judge, the MLB leader in home runs, was capable of. At first, this one seemed no different.
“I didn’t think it was going into the bullpen,” Price said. “I thought it was going to hit the JumboTron, to be honest.”
Price was at least halfright. The ball didn’t land in the bullpen.
Jackie Bradley Jr. made sure of that.
Judge’s shot looked destined for the bullpen as it sailed toward the triangle before the Red Sox center fielder added another highlight-reel play to a resume already full of them. Eyes on it the whole way, Bradley seemed to know he had it before anyone else did as he timed his leap perfectly and reached full extension for the sensational catch.
Bradley made it look casual, as he typically does. But there was nothing casual about one of the best catches seen at Fenway Park in quite some time.
On the mound, Price’s cringing look turned to laughs and smiles as the ball made its way back to him. The park continued to buzz as the JumboTron showed replays of the catch.
“It was special,” Bradley said of the crowd’s reception. “You could feel the energy. It was a lot of fun, especially with the way momentum was heading our way, and just to be able to take one back. It was cool.”
The catch was even more special given the circumstances. The Red Sox were leading 3-0 in the top of the eighth, and the Yankees had a runner on when Judge connected. The catch preserved the lead, and the Red Sox ultimately won to split the doubleheader and series.
Judge could only watch in awe — and probably disbelief — at the catch. It ended a disappointing series for the rookie and reigning Home Run Derby champion, who went 1-for-18 in the four games.
“I hit it to the wrong part of the park and the wrong center fielder,” Judge said.
Bradley stopped short of saying it was the best catch he’s ever made, but it was certainly a unique one.
“It’s one of those balls you just try to time up. It was in the air. Those are the type of plays, they rarely happen,” he said. “A lot of different things got to go the right way. Gotta be just far enough over the wall, but short enough where you can grab it. And you’ve got to be able to get back there in time.”
How would he rank the catch?
“I don’t really have a ranking system, but I wouldn’t say it was the most difficult catch I’ve ever made,” Bradley Jr. said. “But I guess given the situation and the timing, it’s pretty high up there.”
Inside the clubhouse, it didn’t surprise his teammates, either.
“Being with him day in and day out, I get kind of spoiled,” right fielder Mookie Betts said. “Coming in that spot was huge. It’s just fun to be a part of it.”