The Team USA shortstop had a Gold Glove performance on defense in the World Baseball Classic on Monday, with a pair of show-stopping plays against rival Mexico.
Witt went diving deep into the hole at shortstop twice to rob Mexico hitters in back-to-back innings — Blue Jays All-Star catcher Alejandro Kirk in the fourth inning, and Pirates infielder Nick Gonzales in the fifth.
Witt had to range far to his right, and onto the outfield grass, to track down Kirk’s one-hopper and snare it with a full-extension dive. He still had just enough time to make the long throw to first to get Kirk, a slower runner.
Gonzales’ ball was hit harder, but he’s a much faster runner. And Witt still had to make a full diving stop. But this time, he leaped to his feet and uncorked an absolute laser of a throw to first base to get Gonzales just in time.
The throw was 89 mph out of Witt’s hand, according to Statcast, which is insane for a shortstop who was just diving away from first base a split-second before.
Witt also wasn’t even the first USA player to get called a dawg by another star athlete during the U.S.-Mexico game. Kevin Durant posted the same thing about Paul Skenes after his dominant start.
Bobby Witt Jr. defense vs. Mexico
