PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks fans had little to cheer about through the first three innings Friday night, but outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. gave them a moment they won't forget.
May 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. against the New York Mets at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With the Milwaukee Brewers leading Arizona 3-0 in the top of the third inning, Garrett Mitchell had a chance to double the lead with a three-run home run. Gurriel's leaping home run robbery prevented that from happening.
The outfielder raced back to the left-field wall and made a leaping catch to rob the home run, a spectacular grab that prevented the Brewers from blowing the game open. Fans online immediately reacted to what was, at the time, a game-saving play.
Jul 3, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (12) leaps up against the wall to rob a home run in the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The catch proved crucial. Instead of trailing 6-0, the D-Backs remained within striking distance and eventually tied the game in the innings that followed. Without Gurriel's defensive gem, Arizona's comeback effort may have faced much steeper odds.
The play also provided a bright spot in what's been an up-and-down season for Gurriel. After returning from an ACL injury, the outfielder has dealt with other minor injuries and inconsistencies both in the field and at the plate.
Jun 18, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Lourdes Gurriel (12) watches from the dugout during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
For Gurriel, the catch served as another memorable defensive highlight and gave the Diamondbacks a much-needed spark against the Brewers. It was the kind of momentum-shifting play that helped keep Arizona in the game and gave fans a reason to believe a comeback was still possible.
