Alabama right fielder Andrew Pinckney guns down Kentucky runner at home plate in 2023 SEC Baseball Tournament
One of the best defensive plays of the young 2023 SEC Baseball Tournament has been made, courtesy of Alabama right fielder Andrew Pinckney.
In the bottom of the second inning with Kentucky threatening to open the scoring first, Pinckney would get a chance to flash his glove and a cannon of an arm, gunning down a runner at the plate.
Kentucky catcher Devin Burkes had reached third base with one out after an error by pitcher Hunter Furtado. He’d attempt to get home when designated hitter Reuben Church launched a fairly deep fly ball to right field.
Pinckney was having none of it at the 2023 SEC Baseball Tournament, firing a missile to catcher Mac Guscette, who tagged Burkes through a considerable collision, holding on to record the out. Check it out below.
Guscette was shaken up after the play, which went to a review to confirm the out. According to Nick Alvarez, a reporter covering Alabama for AL.com, an Alabama coach got into it with Kentucky coach Nick Mingione during the aftermath.
The good news is Guscette appeared again behind the plate in the bottom of the third inning, seemingly OK to continue in the 2023 SEC Baseball Tournament.
It was not the first time this season Guscette has had an injury scare.
Earlier this season Guscette collapsed on the field during a series at LSU. He had previously taken a wild pitch to the neck, and Guscette collapsed as he attempted to stand up.
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He was carried off the field and would miss the rest of the series.
Guscette was cleared less than a week later, though, returning for a series against Vanderbilt. He has started 35 games this season for the Crimson Tide.
“I wanted to let everyone know that I have been fully cleared to return to baseball activities. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers,” the Florida transfer tweeted after his collapse. “I would like to specifically thank the LSU medical staff, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, and the University of Alabama for all the support they have given me. I was in great hands and am so thankful to be good to play. Thank you everybody again for all of the prayers and support. Roll Tide!”
Pinckney would blast a two-run homer to right field in the top of the fourth inning to give Alabama a 2-0 lead at the time of publication.
Alabama opened play at the 2023 SEC Baseball Tournament as the No. 9 seed. Kentucky was the No. 8 seed. Tuesday night’s game was the first for both teams.