Rays' Steven Souza Jr. goes full Superman for incredible diving catch
Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Steven Souza Jr. submitted an early catch-of-the-year candidate in the fourth inning of Wednesday's Rays-Orioles game with a leaping, full-extension grab on a deep blast from Chris Davis that sent Souza flying across the warning track.
"I looked at [Kiermaier] and we kind of made eye contact," Souza explained later, "which in the back of my mind means he's not going to be able to catch it, so I had to lay out for it."
That says something, considering Kiermaier led the entire league in 2015 with 32 defensive runs saved. Shortstop/wizard Andrelton Simmons finished second with 23.9 and the nearest outfielder, Lorenzo Cain of the Royals, scored 16.3.
"That was platinum-ish" Kiermaier certified Souza's catch.
"Once I left my feet I thought there was a prayer, and then I kind of accelerated through my jump and I knew I could get it" Souza said.
Last, here's appreciative pitcher Matt Moore censoring his reaction with his glove:
