Must-See MLB Highlights From Thursday (July 30, 2020)

With the Yankees trailing in the 9th inning, Aaron Judge delivered when New York needed him most, while Shane Bieber continued his 2020 excellence against the best lineup in baseball, and Victor Robles showed exactly why he led the MLB in Defensive Runs Saved last year.

With the NBA’s return dominating the day’s headlines, enjoy the best highlights from Thursday’s MLB action all in one place:

*Via @MLB on Twitter/YouTube

Judge in the Clutch

The New York Yankees found themselves in the hole against the Orioles with their historic win streak in Camden Yards on the line. That was until the fans watching rised to see Aaron Judge clobber the go-ahead bomb in the 9th inning.

Aaron Judge: CLUTCH. pic.twitter.com/tvTnOxVFcO
— MLB (@MLB) July 31, 2020

Judge’s opportunity to be the hero in the 9th wouldn’t have been possible without Luke Voit’s Grand Slam earlier in the game.

Luke nuke.
(MLB x @Mastercard) pic.twitter.com/1D6ZlLXD3o
— MLB (@MLB) July 30, 2020

2020 Cy Young?

The way Shane Bieber is pitching to start the season, the AL Cy Young race looks like his to lose. His command is at a level that no other pitcher can currently match, along with a mid-90’s fastball, and a lethal breaking ball that had the best lineup in baseball looking foolish on multiple occasions.

If @ShaneBieber19 keeps pitching like this, Justin is going to be “the other Bieber.” 😳 pic.twitter.com/sip1px0B9c
— MLB (@MLB) July 31, 2020

Defensive Beast in CF

Kevin Kiermaier is commonly viewed as the best defensive center fielder in baseball for good reason, but Victor Robles led all CF’s in Defensive Runs Saved last year, and continues to make spectacular plays for the reigning champs.

Victor Robles is The Best Defensive CF in @MLB™.
We’re 7 games in and he’s already made the catch of the year.@Victor__Robles // #NATITUDE pic.twitter.com/T3HRHHTHvm
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 30, 2020

Full Extension Dive

In addition to Victor Robles’ outstanding grab in DC, Kole Calhoun made a highlight-reel worthy catch of his own in the desert.

Classic @KoleCalhoun. pic.twitter.com/yMixqzJ6RJ
— MLB (@MLB) July 31, 2020

Disgusting Slider

Adam Ottavino has the best slider in baseball, at least among right-handed pitchers (shoutout to Chris Sale’s impressive strikeout pitch). Even someone without much baseball knowledge can look at this pitch and admire its nastiness.

Ottavino throwing frisbees. pic.twitter.com/3PyWlbZ2kq
— MLB (@MLB) July 31, 2020

Padres 6-Run 10th

The San Francisco Giants made a nice comeback in the Bay, but the Padres got the last laugh with SIX runs scored in the 10th inning off submarine pitcher Tyler Rogers.

TOMMY. PHAM.@Padres take the lead in the 10th! pic.twitter.com/OciXCHlBBi
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 31, 2020

Vazquez on Both Ends

Boston Red Sox Catcher Christian Vazquez is quietly becoming one of the best all-around catchers in the game. He’s always been a defensive stud, but now he’s becoming an offensive force as well, joining teammate Jackie Bradley Jr. as defensive phenoms who are starting to put it together at the plate to make Boston’s fierce lineup even scarier.

Different at-bat, same result. pic.twitter.com/RZkhdStn74
— Red Sox (@RedSox) July 31, 2020

From the knees? Cannon. pic.twitter.com/vxjQ67mLXn
— MLB (@MLB) July 31, 2020

2-HR Game From Miggy

Miguel Cabrera will one day be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. He had an incredible prime of his career with 13 years of dominance from 2004-2016. Even with his best days behind him, he’s still able to channel his peak abilities with multi-HR games on occasion.