Two outs, bases loaded and trailing the game by three runs at 10-7. That is a scenario that every hitter dreams to be at-bat for in hopes to send their team right back to the lead with a big bomb to empty the bases.
But in the NCAA Midwest Regional matchup between Ohio Dominican and Illinois-Springfield that dream was quickly turned into a nightmare due to the exquisite defensive showcase out on by ODU's center fielder Noah Bland.
Playing roughly straight away – based on the view in the video below – Bland had to react quickly when UIS' Michael Rothmund – one of the top ten sluggers in D2 – belted one to the deepest part of the park and looked to potentially send all three base runners home to tie the game at 10.
With closing speed not unlike some of the elite center fielders in the Major Leagues, Bland was able to close on the fly ball and make the grab to secure the final out of the seventh inning. But after securing the ball, some acrobatics were added in as the junior native of Ohio went flying over the center field wall.
Take a look at the play below and follow the Panthers as they continue their journey towards the D2 World Series. Needing two more wins to advance, they will take on Southern Indiana in the Midwest Regional Finals later today (Monday).
Bases loaded, two outs, bottom of the seventh and protecting a 10-7 lead, @ODUBaseball_ 's Noah Bland makes a SPECTACULAR grab in this @NCAADII regional game as Ohio Dominican knocks off #1 seed Illinois Springfield#SCtop10 @ESPNAssignDesk pic.twitter.com/bFcfG24Ayp
— ODU Panthers (@ODUAthletics) May 21, 2018
