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Randy Arozarena’s supply of October magic never seems to stop. Arozarena – the main contender for American League Rookie of the Year – made history Thursday as the first player in playoff history to steal home and hit a homer in the same game in Tampa Bay’s 5-0 win over Boston Red in ALDS Game 1 in St. Petersburg, Fla.
The hit marked the first home steal in a playoff game since 2016, when Chicago Cubs infielder Javier Baez pulled off the feat in the 2016 NLCS and the first consecutive home steal in a playoff game since Jackie. Robinson against Yogi Berra and the New York Yankees in 1955.
“I noticed the pitcher wasn’t keeping attention on me. I was able to take a pretty big lead and take that base,” Arozarena said through a performer. “This is my first time flying home.”
The 26-year-old outfielder, who is still a rookie despite setting playoff records with 10 home runs and 29 hits in 20 games in the 2020 playoffs, flew home against Boston reliever Josh Taylor to wear the score to 5-0 in the seventh inning after drawing a walk.
Rays manager Kevin Cash said Arozarena had asked him to fly home for weeks. During the 2020 World Series, Rays outfielder Manuel Margot was sent off when he attempted a similar steal against Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw, but Arozarena continued to insist.
“He’s been asking me throughout the season ‘Verde, verde, verde’ – green light,” Cash said. “We finally gave it to him.”
Arozarena easily beat the home pitch to wide receiver Christian Vazquez via a head first slide.
Arozarena also ranks second for most homers in 20 playoff games, tied with Carlos Beltran and Jim Thome at 11 and just behind Babe Ruth, who leads with 12. His 11 career playoff homers are five. more than any other rookie in MLB history, with Evan Longoria placing second with six.
Asked about her playoff success, Arozarena said the stakes of the moment create a desire to meet the moment.
“I am concentrating a bit more,” said Arozarena. “Fortunately, this happens in October, when that means it’s closer to the World Series.”
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