NEW YORK — In the ninth inning of Wednesday night’s game, Cody Bellinger made a spectacular, game-saving catch down the right-field line that preserved the Yankees’ 4-3 win over the Royals. With two outs and the tying run in scoring position, Bellinger recovered from a shaky first step, launched himself into the air, and snagged MJ Melendez’s 100.9 mph line drive just before it could land.
Bellinger tumbled to the ground but emerged with the ball in his glove, arms raised in triumph as the Yankee Stadium crowd erupted.
“That might be my first game-saving catch,” Bellinger said. “I had a bit of a misstep, but I tracked the ball well and was just glad I could make the play.”
Aaron Judge praised the moment, calling it “impressive” and a testament to Bellinger’s Gold Glove-caliber defense.
Earlier, Judge had delivered the go-ahead home run, and with several key relievers unavailable, Fernando Cruz was tasked with closing the game. Despite a walk and a wild pitch, Cruz trusted his splitter—but Melendez made contact, sending it right at Bellinger.
According to Statcast, Bellinger covered 43 feet in 3.5 seconds to make the grab, a play with only a 43% catch probability. Yankees manager Aaron Boone called the play “especially difficult” given Bellinger’s stumble, but said he was thrilled to see the ball stick in the glove.
Bellinger also chipped in offensively with an RBI double and spent time before the game working on his swing, determined to break out of an early-season slump.
“I feel good,” he said. “If you stay focused on your preparation, good things will come.”
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