Milwaukee Brewers: Top Five Moments of the 2017 Season

Orlando Arcia is a defensive stud at shortstop. That much has been known about him for awhile. Fans have been told about his amazing spin move and throw but hadn’t been able to get an opportunity to witness it until June 21st.

In the ninth inning of a 4-3 game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, John Jaso went to the plate against Corey Knebel. There was a runner on second with two outs when Jaso hits a ground ball up the middle. Jaso thinks he has a game-tying single until Orlando Arcia happened.

Oh my goodness, Orlando Arcia! How does anyone even make that play? Even having the range to get to that ball in the first place is ridiculous. But then doing a full 360-degree spin and firing an accurate throw to first base in time is absolutely bonkers.

Also, credit needs to be given to Eric Thames for making a tremendous pick on that hop. It’s not easy catching a ball like that. If Thames misses it, the whole play is wasted and the game is tied.

What makes this play an even bigger moment was that it ended the game. It’s definitely a highlight no matter when in the game it happens but to make the last out on that play just adds an extra flare.

Craig Counsell said after this game that all could think to himself during the play was, “Don’t throw it! Don’t throw it!” He feared that a wild throw would tie the game. Just getting to the ball prevents a run from scoring. He didn’t need to do any more than stopping the ball from reaching the outfield. But Arcia goes above and beyond to make the big play.

If Arcia was able to cut down on the amount of errors this season, this play would be a central part of his candidacy for a Gold Glove this year. Instead, it sits as the fifth best moment of the Milwaukee Brewers 2017 season.