Top Clutch Performances of the Week
Who’s ready for a hearty dose of clutch performances? On this week's edition, we explore the 2016 MLB All-Star Game, Wimbledon, the UEFA European Championship and Brock Lesnar's return to the ring in UFC 200.
With so many action-packed events going down over the last seven days, we were able to procure 10 shining examples of athletes embracing their clutch gene.
Start the slideshow below and find out which 10 made the final cut.
Milos Raonic Bounces Roger Federer
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Who: Milos Raonic
When: July 8, Wimbledon semifinal vs. Roger Federer
Though he fell short in his quest of claiming the Wimbledon crown, 25-year-old tennis sensation Milos Raonic secured a huge, clutch win over the great Roger Federer.
The bout turned out to be a rugged conquest of talent facing off. Raonic claimed the first set 6-3 before Federer battled back and won the following two sets.
Raonic wouldn't back down. He forced a fifth set and won it 6-3, proving his dominant serve and ability to hit timely shots was just enough to down the seven-time Wimbledon champ.
Giancarlo Stanton Wins the 2016 All-Star Home Run Derby
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Who: Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton
When: July 11, the 2016 All-Star Home Run Derby
Baseball's Home Run Derby is a time when power is king. This year's cast of aerodynamic blasters included Mark Trumbo, Corey Seager, Robinson Cano, Adam Duvall, Wil Myers, Todd Frazier, Carlos Gonzalez and, of course, Giancarlo Stanton.
Besides having the best name in sports, Stanton was able to go out there and justify the powerful nature behind his swing. The Miami Marlins outfielder blasted 61 home runs in three rounds of action, including 20 long balls to take down Frazier—who was the defending champ.
Though it was a vanity performance, seeing Stanton reach back and rip the cover off the ball over and over again was definitely a clutch moment.
Eder Leads Portugal to the 2016 UEFA European Championship
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Who: Portugal forward Eder
When: July 10 vs. France, 2016 UEFA European Championship
The unlikely story of Portugal reaching and then winning the 2016 UEFA European Championship turned into a reality when forward Eder broke through and netted a game-winning goal in the 109th minute of play.
ESPN FC's Michael Yohkin took the time to explain how Eder was a forgotten man up until his golden moment in the 2016 final against France. "Eder's record with the national team is indeed disappointing for a centre-forward, with just three goals in 28 games before Sunday," Yohkin explained.
None of that mattered. When it came down to crunch time, Eder embraced the very meaning of clutch, striking a beautiful ball from distance.
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Andy Murray Claims His Second Wimbledon Crown
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Who: Andy Murray
When: July 11, Wimbledon final vs. Milos Raonic
The path was clear for Andy Murray to capture his second Wimbledon title after Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer were bounced from this year's edition of the tournament.
Murray took full advantage, working his way into the final match against Milos Raonic. It turned out to be a competitive but decisive win for the 29-year-old Murray.
The final tally of 6-4, 7-6 and 7-6 were enough to blank Raonic and prove Murray remains one of the best assets in all of tennis. With the world watching from a distance, he didn't miss a beat. Murray's clutch performance at Wimbledon resulted in his third career Grand Slam title.
Brock Lesnar Returns to the UFC
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Who: Brock Lesnar
When: July 10, UFC 200 vs. Mark Hunt
Brock Lesnar made his return to the UFC cage after a five-year layoff. During his "down time," Lesnar was out destroying World Wrestling Entertainment, claiming championships, ending The Undertaker's unbeaten streak at WrestleMania and inventing the term "Suplex City."
Mark Hunt had the unfortunate pleasure of being Lesnar's first opponent. The UFC 200 match showcased what makes Lesnar such a unique force in the Octagon. He executed takedowns, utilized his ground-and-pound technique and smothered Hunt at every turn.
Lesnar won a unanimous decision after three rounds of action, putting his stamp back on the world of mixed martial arts.
Daniel Murphy Makes the New York Mets Pay
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Who: Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy
When: July 10 vs. New York Mets
Daniel Murphy continues to make the New York Mets pay with every swing of the bat. The former New York second baseman—now stationed with the Washington Nationals—stepped into a July 10 divisional showdown and performed admirably.
A 3-2 win by the Nationals was partially fueled by Murphy blasting his 17th home run of the season in the first inning of play. The powerful swing resulted in two of the Nationals' three total runs.
With the MLB season at its midway point, Murphy is currently hitting .348 with 17 home runs and 66 RBI. Surely the Mets front office has to be kicking itself for not re-upping his deal.
Amanda Nunes Destroys Miesha Tate
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Who: Amanda Nunes
When: July 10, UFC 200 vs. Miesha Tate
UFC 200's main event turned out to be the dismantling of former women's bantamweight champion Miesha Tate by the tactical hands of Amanda Nunes.
Nunes captured the gold, using powerful blows and strategic maneuvering to punish Tate. When the night ended, it was Nunes who would walk away champion, tapping Tate out in the first round.
No doubt it was a clutch performance by the Brazilian.
Kris Bryant Finishes Off the Pittsburgh Pirates
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Who: Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant
When: July 10 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
The Chicago Cubs have to be grateful for the stellar play of Kris Bryant. The 24-year-old, 6'5" superstar currently leads the team in home runs, RBI and total hits, per ESPN.com.
In a tight battle against the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 10, Bryant made sure his team walked away winners, driving in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning of play.
Bryant's single was enough to push the Cubs out to a 6-5 lead—a lead they would maintain.
With a 53-35 record at the break, Bryant's contributions have never looked so important. He's helped carry the Cubs to the top of the National League Central with timely hitting and robust strands of power.
Eric Hosmer Helps the American League Prevail
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Who: Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer
When: July 12, 2016 MLB All-Star Game
Who says vanity games don't matter? Major League Baseball's decision to put weight on its All-Star Game has turned the contest into a must-watch affair for baseball fans.
Considering the winner of this game automatically nabs home-field advantage during the World Series, the entire American League should be thanking Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer.
Hosmer was named MVP of the All-Star Game after driving in two runs and blasting a home run off San Francisco Giants pitcher Johnny Cueto.
It was without fail a super-clutch performance from the 26-year-old Hosmer.
Serena Williams Wins Grand Slam Title No. 22
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Who: Serena Williams
When: July 9, Wimbledon final vs. Angelique Kerber
It was all cheers for the phenomenal Serena Williams, who won her seventh Wimbledon crown and 22nd Grand Slam singles title on July 9.
Williams took down Angelique Kerber by a score of 7-5, 6-3, using her blaring serve as a catalyst. SI.com examined how Williams' serve changed the entire course of the tournament, writing, "In her last three matches she faced only one break point and did not lose serve. She won 97 of 107 first-serve points (91%) and hit 35 aces in those three matches."
The win proved to be a significant, clutch moment in her career, as 22 Grand Slam wins now ties her with Steffi Graf for the most Grand Slam titles in the open era, per ESPN.com.
All stats, box scores and information via Sports-Reference.com, unless noted otherwise.
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