Washington Nationals: Yan Gomes does what they said couldn’t be done

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Tim Locastro had an impressive start to his career on the base-paths. While playing in parts of five seasons he may not have stockpiled a lot of stolen bases, though when he attempted a steal he was 100% successful. That is until he lined up opposite of Washington Nationals catcher Yan Gomes.

29 for 29, is how Locastro began his career in thievery at the Major League level, including a nifty 17 for 17 in his first season with the Diamondbacks in 2019. With return rates that good, Locastro should be on the move every time he gets on base. Well, unless Gomes is behind the plate.

Washington Nationals catcher Yan Gomes is the first person at the big league level to throw out Tim Locastro trying to steal a base.

For Locastro, his name is in the record books for most consecutive stolen bases to start a career without being caught. He pushed former Montreal Expos speedster Tim Raines’ name off the list when he swiped his 28th bag earlier in the week.

Gomes, who carries a caught stealing percentage of 33% for his career, had some help when Locastro was cut down trying to steal in the third inning. Nationals pitcher Erick Fedde utilized a nice slide step and came with a 92mph fastball. Second baseman Starlin Castro slapped Locastro’s helmet as the hands slid out in front, just inches from the second base bag.

Don’t get me wrong, Gomes did his part too. He was quick out of his stance and fired the ball spot on, to the first base side of the bag, perfect height for Castro to drop the tag.

Just as Locastro had established the reputation as an upstart, speedster, stolen base artist, Gomes may take on the moniker of the long arm of the stolen base law.

To add insult to injury, on the slide which he was caught stealing, Locasro dislocated his pinkie finger and had to be placed on the ten day injured list.

To add to his defensive exploits, Gomes had three hits on the day, including his first home run on the season. Hitting .368 in the early going is a good way to get noticed, as well is cutting down the speedy Tim Locastro for the first time in his career.