Albert Pujols must hate Manny Machado at this point.
Pujols came to the plate on Thursday night in Baltimore in the 11th inning of a scoreless game. The Los Angeles Angels slugger laced a ball down the third-base line that looked destined for the left-field corner. Unfortunately for Pujols and the Angels, however, Machado was at third base, and the Baltimore Orioles phenom made another terrific play.
Machado took a couple of steps to his right and was able to snow-cone the hot shot. He quickly gathered himself, avoided the third-base umpire and then threw an absolute bullet across the diamond, just in time to get Pujols at first base.
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By that time, Pujols clearly knew all about Machado. The Baltimore third baseman had already made a sliding stop to start a 5-4-3 double play off the bat of Pujols earlier in the game. One night earlier, Machado showed off his range and crazy-strong arm with an unreal play going into foul territory to take a hit away from Pujols.
Pujols got the last laugh on Thursday night, though. The Angels went on to win the game 1-0 on an RBI single from — who else — Pujols in the 13th inning.
Thumbnail photo via USA Today Sports Images
