Outfielder pretends it's a home run to trick runner, a breakdown

In the second inning of a game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Pittsburgh Pirates, Brewers outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (Jackie Bradley Jr.) pulls off an impressive defensive play. With Brewers pitcher Corbin Burnes (Corbin Burnes) on the mound, Pirates catcher Jacob Stallings (Jacob Stallings) gets a single up the middle to lead off the inning. As Stallings rounds first base, Bradley Jr. in center field pretends that he is about to throw the ball back to the infield, causing Stallings to slow down and head back towards the bag. However, Bradley Jr. quickly catches the ball and throws to first base, catching Stallings off guard and tagging him out. The Pirates first base coach excitedly tells Bradley Jr. "Hey, you hooked that dude!" The play showcases Bradley Jr.'s baseball instincts and ability to outsmart the baserunner. "A lot of people watch this channel that don't know, so watch the runner," the announcer explains. "He's got to watch the center fielder because he can't pick up the ball, so we just got to watch his mannerisms. JBJ knows that and just completely dekes him." Burnes, who was taught how to pitch by the announcer, gets the next out after the successful defensive play by Bradley Jr. The announcer praises the underappreciated part of the game, saying, "Nothing like a good baseball deke. It's an underappreciated part of the game." The game between the Brewers and Pirates is close, with the Brewers trailing by one run in the bottom of the ninth inning. This defensive play by Bradley Jr. could prove crucial in the outcome of the tight contest between the NL Central rivals. The announcer encourages viewers to use the "johnboy" on the sports ticketing app SeaGeek to get 20% off their first order and experience exciting plays like this one in person. With the game still hanging in the balance, the Brewers will need more heads-up plays from their veteran outfielder to pull out a victory against their division foe.