The Brewers have seen Blake Perkins' 9th inning defensive heroics before

Friday night’s dramatic finish wasn’t new territory for Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Blake Perkins. With the game on the line in the ninth, Perkins once again stepped up, flashing the same clutch instincts he has displayed just over one year ago with his second career game-ending defensive assist.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Blake Perkins recorded his second career game-ending outfield assist in Friday night's win over the New York Mets

With Brewers All-Star closer Trevor Megill on the mound aiming to lock down a one-run win, the Mets had Starling Marte on second, Jeff McNeil at the plate, and were down to their final out. McNeil then ripped a single to center field that looked destined to tie the game.

Perkins had other plans as he got a great read, did not panic or rush, and delivered a perfect dart to home plate to cut down Marte and end the game. Coincidentally, Perkins ended a Cincinnati Reds ninth inning rally with a very similar-looking play last June when Stuart Fairchild was tagged out by William Contreras on a perfectly placed throw to home.

A game-ending defensive assist, a proverbial walk-off victory if you will, is not a common feat in baseball. According to OptaSTATS, Perkins is the only MLB player in the last 40 years to accomplish a direct outfield assist, without a relay, to cut down a potential tying run at the plate to end the game on two separate occasions.

In a short time, Perkins has built a reputation as a clutch defender. He’s shown he can handle high-pressure moments late in games, but his impact goes beyond that, with a growing highlight reel of home run robberies and game-saving plays. For the Brewers, Perkins isn’t just a dependable glove in the outfield; he’s a true difference-maker on defense.