Ozzie Albies and Orlando Arcia Were So Hyped After Their Amazing Defensive Play

Ozzie Albies and Orlando Arcia are really on the same page.
Ozzie Albies and Orlando Arcia Were So Hyped After Their Amazing Defensive Play
Ozzie Albies and Orlando Arcia Were So Hyped After Their Amazing Defensive Play /
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Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies has a new double play partner this season after Dansby Swanson left for the Cubs in free agency, but Albies is definitely on the same page as the new guy. 

Orlando Arcia has taken over at shortstop in Atlanta this season. He played 67 games for the Braves last season, mostly at second, as Albies was limited to just 64 games due to foot and hand injuries. 

Halfway through their first season playing together regularly, Arcia and Albies showed off their connection with a highlight reel play in Tuesday’s game against the Twins. Max Kepler hit a grounder up the middle that Albies dived to stop. But he didn't have time to get to his feet make the throw to first. Luckily, his buddy Arcia was right there, so Albies flipped the ball to him and Arcia threw over to Matt Olson at first for the out.

How’s that for teamwork? You don’t see many 4-6-3 putouts that aren’t double plays. 

As great as the play was, Albies and Arcia’s reaction after it was just as fun. The Braves went on to win the game, their 12th victory in their last 13 games. They’ve got a healthy 6.5-game lead in the NL East race, so the vibes are great in Atlanta—as Albies and Arcia showed. 


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Dan Gartland
DAN GARTLAND

Dan Gartland is the writer and editor of Sports Illustrated’s flagship daily newsletter, SI:AM, covering everything an educated sports fan needs to know. He joined the SI staff in 2014, having previously been published on Deadspin and Slate. Gartland, a graduate of Fordham University, is a former Sports Jeopardy! champion (Season 1, Episode 5).