Despite great catch, Bradley laments defense
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CLEVELAND -- Jackie Bradley Jr. flashed some impressive leather to help Rick Porcello out of a third-inning jam in Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Indians, crashing against the outfield wall and taking a hit away from Jose Ramirez.
But it wasn't enough to keep the Tribe from holding on for a 5-4 victory over the Red Sox, and Bradley indicated he was more likely to remember his first postseason game for the plays he didn't execute as well.
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"I got a good read on it and jumped at the right time," Bradley said. "[But] I didn't make any good throws. I didn't put it where I want to. I tried to make the best, strongest throws I could make. I didn't do it."
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Bradley referred to his rockets toward home plate in the second and fifth innings, both of which traveled up the first-base line on run-scoring singles by Lonnie Chisenhall and Jason Kipnis. Chisenhall was thrown out at second base on the second-inning play.
In the third inning, Porcello had already surrendered three solo home runs when Ramirez launched a deep liner to left-center field. Bradley took an excellent route from his position in center to corral the drive, securing it for the final out of the inning and keeping Cleveland's lead at 4-2.
Statcast™ clocked Bradley's first step at 0.73 seconds and tracked his top speed at 17.8 mph, covering 104.6 feet. Bradley's route efficiency was measured at 96.4 percent.
Ramirez's drive was barreled with an exit velocity of 99.2 mph, a launch angle of 29 degrees and a projected distance of 388 feet. The expected batting average for that type of batted ball is .580.
Bradley said he believes the Red Sox will bounce back in Game 2.
"We feel very confident every single day," Bradley said. "We have a lot of faith in one another. Like I said, we just didn't get the job done tonight."