Reds: Watch Tejay Antone’s filthy strikeout of Nationals’ Trea Turner

Tejay Antone was sensational last night. The Cincinnati Reds reliever induced a wicked swing and miss from Trea Turner. The Washington Nationals shortstop was up to bat with one on and two outs, and Antone’s slider just made Turner look silly.

Antone has been the Reds reliever, and quite possibly the team’s best pitcher, all season long. When David Bell’s club has the lead in the sixth inning or later, look for the Cincinnati skipper to summon Captain Hook.

Tejay Antone, affectionately referred to as Captain Hook, is the Reds best pitcher.

While we focus on the performance of Tejay Antone, let’s not forget how well Tyler Mahle pitched last night. The Cincinnati Reds starter rebounded from a horrible performance versus the San Francisco Giants last week, and went 5.1 innings, allowed just three hits and one walk. Mahle never allowed the Nationals to reach second base.

But, as great as Mahle was, a tip of the cap goes to Antone as well. After Mahle snagged the first out of the sixth inning, Juan Soto reached on a single, and Bell made the call to the bullpen. Antone came in with one on and one out, and one pitch later got out of the jam. Josh Bell grounded into the 4-6-3 double play.

Antone handled his business in the seventh inning, getting the Nationals out in order, which set the stage for a little bit of drama in the eighth inning. With the Cincinnati Reds leading 2-0, Antone induced a pop out from Nationals’ catcher Yan Gomes, but allowed Andrew Stephenson to reach on a five-pitch walk. Antone then struck out pinch hitter Yadiel Hernandez.

The Nats’ lineup then turned over and Trea Turner, arguably Washington’s best player, stepped to the dish representing the tying run. Antone delivered a first pitch strike, and following two balls out of the zone, knotted the count at 2-2. What happened next made Turner look like he was back in little league.

With catcher Tucker Barnhart setup on the outside edge of the plate, Tejay Antone rocked and dealt a slider that started on the outside edge of the plate and broke about a foot off the dish. Turner swung wildly, missed the pitch by a mile, and Antone celebrated and strutted off the bump with the Reds’ 2-0 lead intact.

What Tejay Antone is doing this season is otherworldly. The right-hander has gone from obscure spot starter in 2020 to a potential All-Star in 2021. While a lot of fans may advocate for Antone to be in the starting rotation, what he brings to the bullpen is essential to the Cincinnati Reds success this season. He can join the rotation in 2022.