Bregman lays down bunt -- from the dugout

Some baseball fans have lamented the decline of bunting in the modern game, while others see its diminished role as a good thing. But one thing both sides can agree on is how impressive Alex Bregman's bat-to-ball skills were in the top of the sixth inning of the Astros' 2-0 loss to the Braves in Game 3 of the World Series on Friday night.

While on the top dugout step waiting to go into the visitors’ on-deck circle at Truist Park, Bregman prevented a foul ball off the bat of Jose Altuve from going into the Houston dugout by laying down a perfect bunt on the warning track.

Unfortunately, it wasn't Bregman's bat that would end up making contact in his plate appearance later in the frame. It was his left foot -- he got hit on the top of the foot with a 90.6 mph cut fastball from A.J. Minter and was hunched over in pain before remaining in the game and taking his base.

Bregman used his bat in a more traditional way in the ninth inning, collecting the Astros' second hit of the game -- a leadoff ground single to right field against closer Will Smith. That did not spark a rally, however, and the Astros trail the best-of-seven Series, 2-1.