HOUSTON. — Although going through an offensive slump with 20 at-bats without connecting a hit, Dominican outfielder Jesús Sánchez was the protagonist of the Sunday game in the Major Leagues by making two memorable catches that avoided a grand slam and a three-run home run in the Astros’ 12-0 defeat against the Orioles at Daikin Park.
Sánchez, acquired from the Marlins at the Trade Deadline, kept the defensive spectacle alive despite the collective collapse. In the third inning, the Dominican player rose above the seven-foot right field fence to rob Gunnar Henderson of a home run with the bases loaded, a play that ultimately turned into a sacrifice fly, saving three runs for Dominican starter Cristian Javier.
Later, in the seventh inning and with the game already decided, Sánchez repeated the feat against his compatriot Samuel Basallo, who was debuting in the Major Leagues. The hit seemed to be heading towards being his first hit and a three-run home run, but Sánchez climbed the fence again and sealed the out, celebrating with his fist raised to the ovation of the fans.
It’s not the first time the outfielder has made this type of decisive play. In June 2023, still wearing the Marlins uniform, he denied a grand slam to the Venezuelan Eugenio Suárez in the ninth inning of a duel against the Mariners, an action that also caused a stir at the time.
Despite their defensive acrobatics, Houston’s offense failed to back up the pitching and ended up being shut out for the second consecutive day, losing the entire series to Baltimore.
With this result, the Astros seek to meet again in the final stretch of the season, while Jesús Sánchez begins to consolidate his role in the club with his glove, waiting to regain his rhythm at the plate.
Sánchez, acquired from the Marlins at the Trade Deadline, kept the defensive spectacle alive despite the collective collapse. In the third inning, the Dominican player rose above the seven-foot right field fence to rob Gunnar Henderson of a home run with the bases loaded, a play that ultimately turned into a sacrifice fly, saving three runs for Dominican starter Cristian Javier.
Later, in the seventh inning and with the game already decided, Sánchez repeated the feat against his compatriot Samuel Basallo, who was debuting in the Major Leagues. The hit seemed to be heading towards being his first hit and a three-run home run, but Sánchez climbed the fence again and sealed the out, celebrating with his fist raised to the ovation of the fans.
It’s not the first time the outfielder has made this type of decisive play. In June 2023, still wearing the Marlins uniform, he denied a grand slam to the Venezuelan Eugenio Suárez in the ninth inning of a duel against the Mariners, an action that also caused a stir at the time.
