Home run thefts have long been a staple of MLB highlights, yet on Wednesday, the Boston Red Sox added a twist to the tradition. In a tied game at 5-5 against the Detroit Tigers, reliever Liam Hendriks faced a potentially game-changing moment in the seventh inning.

Kerry Carpenter sent a deep fly ball that seemed destined to clear the fence for a home run. However, Gold Glove right fielder Wilyer Abreu had other plans. Abreu managed to get his glove on the ball as it soared over the wall but only succeeded in bobbling it back onto the field. Center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela was perfectly positioned to catch it, completing a remarkable two-man home run denial.

Hendriks was visibly relieved, and the umpire crew confirmed the unusual 9-8 putout after a review. Speaking to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, Hendriks expressed his admiration for the play, hinting at rewards for both outfielders: “I’ve never seen anything like that,” he remarked. “My first thought was, ‘Thank God.’ It was an incredible catch. Off the bat, I thought, ‘Oh, no.’ But then I saw Willy tracking it and wondered if there was a chance.

I never imagined it would be that kind of chance.” He added, “Willy has a Gold Glove for a reason.” Sadly for the Red Sox, this moment of brilliance came in a losing effort, as Aroldis Chapman gave up a ninth-inning comeback that ended with a walk-off single by Tigers pinch-hitter Justyn-Henry Malloy.

Home run thefts have long been a staple of MLB highlights, yet on Wednesday, the Boston Red Sox added a twist to the tradition. In a tied game at 5-5 against the Detroit Tigers, reliever Liam Hendriks faced a potentially game-changing moment in the seventh inning. Kerry Carpenter sent a deep fly ball that seemed destined to clear the fence for a home run.

However, Gold Glove right fielder Wilyer Abreu had other plans. Abreu managed to get his glove on the ball as it soared over the wall but only succeeded in bobbling it back onto the field. Center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela was perfectly positioned to catch it, completing a remarkable two-man home run denial. Hendriks was visibly relieved, and the umpire crew confirmed the unusual 9-8 putout after a review. Speaking to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, Hendriks expressed his admiration for the play, hinting at rewards for both outfielders: “I’ve never seen anything like that,” he remarked.

“My first thought was, ‘Thank God.’ It was an incredible catch. Off the bat, I thought, ‘Oh, no.’ But then I saw Willy tracking it and wondered if there was a chance. I never imagined it would be that kind of chance.” He added, “Willy has a Gold Glove for a reason.” Sadly for the Red Sox, this moment of brilliance came in a losing effort, as Aroldis Chapman gave up a ninth-inning comeback that ended with a walk-off single by Tigers pinch-hitter Justyn-Henry Malloy.