‘He’s Going to Wow You,’ Pirates in Awe of Ke’Bryan Hayes’ Latest Stunning Play

PITTSBURGH — Not much went right for the Pittsburgh Pirates in their 8-2 loss to the Houston Astros on Thursday night.

The start of the game was delayed for over three hours. Mitch Keller wasn’t as sharp as he’s been for much of the season, and the offense struck out 16 times.

The highlight of the night for the Pirates came in the fifth inning, when third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes made a play worthy of a spot on Sports Center’s top 10 in the morning.

Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes hit a grounder right up the line. Hayes fielded the ball while his momentum took him well into foul territory, but the 2023 Gold Glover delivered an accurate throw across the diamond.

“Unbelievable,” manager Don Kelly said on the web gem. “Anytime he’s out there on defense, he’s going to wow you. He continues to make plays like that, that you don’t even think are possible, running that hard to the line and to be able to get that much on it to throw across your body. He’s unbelievable over there.”

HOT CORNER DEFENSE 😮‍💨

Ke'Bryan Hayes shows us how it's done pic.twitter.com/YG1AUWwBH4

— MLB (@MLB) June 6, 2025

Jared Triolo, who like Hayes, has a Gold Glove on his resumé, played first base for the Pirates and was credited with the putout on the assist from his teammate.

Triolo, whose primary position is third base, had an extra level of understanding of the difficulty of what Hayes did for the out.

“It’s crazy, a crazy play,” said Triolo. “I don’t think a lot of people are surprised anymore, but I mean a wet ball, tough play, and he put it on the money. It was really impressive.”

It’s not the first time Hayes has made a play like the one he did on Thursday night.

In a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in 2021, Hayes made a nearly-identical play to rob Yadier Molina — another player who knows a thing or two about defense — of a hit.

KE'BRYAN HAYES.

THAT'S IT. THAT'S THE TWEET. pic.twitter.com/Bh3Mrir1i4

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) June 27, 2021

The sequel was just as enjoyable to watch as the first version, much to the appreciation of Keller, who enjoyed the defense behind him.

“It’s amazing, man. Always count on him making a great play,” the Pirates’  starter said. “That’s up there for one of the best ones I’ve seen, for sure.”