Danny Duffy throws 7 pick offs to keep Dee Gordon close at first base, a breakdown

Jun 18, 2019 488.3K views 2:18
NHL 2019

What Happened

Kansas City Royals pitcher Danny Duffy faces off against Seattle Mariners speedster Dee Gordon in the bottom of the fourth inning, with the Royals leading 2-1. Duffy is clearly focused on keeping Gordon close at first base, as he attempts a staggering seven pickoff moves over the course of the at-bat. Duffy's first few pickoff attempts are almost perfunctory, as he simply stands on the mound and makes sure Gordon knows he is being watched. Gordon dutifully dives back to the bag each time, appearing slightly annoyed but resigned to the situation. As the at-bat progresses, Duffy's pickoff attempts become more dramatic, with Gordon dramatically diving back to first to avoid being caught off base. At one point, the crowd in Seattle even begins chanting and cheering for Duffy's pickoff attempts, appreciating the showmanship of the exchange. Gordon, for his part, starts to get playful, dancing off the bag and trying to bait Duffy into throwing over again. "If you're gonna watch me, I'm gonna dance," Gordon seems to say with his body language. Despite Duffy's relentless focus on keeping him close, Gordon does not attempt to steal a base during the at-bat. After the seventh pickoff throw, Duffy appears visibly frustrated, muttering to himself, "Man, it is annoying. Why do I always gotta do this shit?" Gordon, sensing he has gotten under Duffy's skin, continues to taunt and tease him from first base. Ultimately, Duffy is able to strike out Mariners catcher Austin Nola, the younger brother of Royals first baseman Aaron Nola, to end the inning. As Duffy walks off the mound, he seems relieved to have survived the Gordon gauntlet, while the Seattle crowd applauds the entertaining battle between pitcher and baserunner.

Full Transcript

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Danny Duffy wanted no part of Dee Gordon

stealing a base on him is brought to you

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the first pickoff attempt not even

really an attempt just uh hey I know