Jose Ramirez got the out after Ryan Merritt's kick save on a comebacker
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For Saturday's doubleheader opener against the Twins, the Indians called upRyan Merritt from Triple-A Columbus to make his first start for Cleveland in 2017. The last time he was on a Major League mound, he helped the Indians clinch the pennant, but on this day, he got a little bit of help from his defense -- though he didn't falter too much himself.
With one out in the bottom of the second, Merritt held a 3-0 lead and faced Eddie Rosario with no one on base. The lefty hitter sent a sharp drive right back to the base of the mound.
It was hit too fast for Merritt to make a play on it, but he did manage to kick it in the right direction -- to the slick-fielding Jose Ramirez:
Martin Brodeur would approve of Merritt's kick save, but Ramirez deserves a lot of credit for his quick reaction getting over to the ball.
That wasn't all Ramirez did for Merritt on Saturday, either. He provided offensive support as well with a two-run double and a pair of homers.
Cleveland ended up winning the first game of a doubleheader, 9-3.
So yeah, he had a pretty bad afternoon.
Relax, Jose! It's just a little sarcasm.