What seemed like a routine sacrifice flyball to center field turned out to be anything but ordinary. In the opening inning of Monday night’s clash between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park, a seemingly straightforward play unfolded into an extraordinary display of skill by Phillies center fielder Brandon Marsh. Following a leadoff triple by Reds designated hitter Jonathan India off Phillies starter Cristopher Sánchez, left fielder Spencer Steer sent a shallow ball to center field, spanning just 256 feet. Marsh, making his first start in center field this season with Johan Rojas resting, positioned himself and unleashed a blazing throw to J.T. Realmuto at home plate, completing an unexpected double play by tagging India.
Marsh’s throw was nothing short of impressive, clocking in at a remarkable 99.3 mph. According to MLB’s Sarah Langs, Marsh’s throw ranks as the second-fastest outfield assist by a Phillie during the Statcast era, which began in 2015. For reference, the fastest outfield assist is attributed to Roman Quinn’s 99.9 mph throw on May 23, 2022.
What made this play bizarre was India’s decision not to slide despite the close play at home plate. Realmuto had to reach high to receive Marsh’s throw, only to find India still on his feet upon landing. Despite initially being called safe, the Phillies successfully challenged the call, overturning it in their favor.
Had India opted to slide, he likely would have been safe, and Marsh’s throw wouldn’t have garnered recognition as the second-fastest outfield assist. Marsh can credit India and Reds teammate Christian Encarnacion-Strand for their roles in the peculiar sequence, with Encarnacion-Strand unintentionally obstructing India’s view of the play. Overall, it was a remarkable play by Marsh juxtaposed with a puzzling decision by India.