San Francisco Giants infielder Pablo Sandoval made history during a 12-4 loss to the Cincinnati Redson Monday (May 6). Sandoval hit a home run, stole a base, and then got called to pitch in the bottom of the 8th inning. He gave up a hit but managed to get a double play and escape the inning unscathed, making him the first major league player since 1905 to pitch a scoreless inning, hit a home run and steal a base in a single game.
According to MLB reporter Sarah Langs, the last player to accomplish the feat was Christy Mathewson, who played for the Giants and also pulled off the rare trifecta against the Reds. Mathewson pitched nine scoreless innings in that game, earning his first of 31 wins during the 1905 season.
After the game,Sandoval told reporters he went out there to have fun and was just trying to help the team and save their relief pitchers for the next game.
“It was fun,” Sandoval said. “It was a tough loss. Whatever I can do to help this team. I’m going to be a man. I’m going to take a punch and sacrifice everything to help the bullpen to rest one more day.”
Sandoval, who is not known to be fleet of foot, was asked about his decision to steal third base for the first time in his career.
“I woke up and felt good today. Crazy. I don’t know. I went on my own.”
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