Top Clutch Performances of the Week
The time seems right for an extra-special dose of clutch. Though it's a slow period in sports—it usually is around this part of the year—there still were a plethora of examples to go around this week.
Baseball takes center stage here. All of the action after the All-Star break has been feverish and equally entertaining. Besides MLB, we also saw the 2016 British Open come down to the wire, WWE undergo a brand extension draft and the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League close its doors.
Using all of those highlights as our base, this week's edition of the top clutch performances was born.
Detroit Tigers Slugger Justin Upton Breaks Up a Tie Game
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Who: Detroit Tigers outfielder Justin Upton
When: July 18 vs. Minnesota Twins
If the Detroit Tigers are to succeed, they are going to continue to need big hits from Justin Upton. On July 18, Upton approached the dish and launched career home run No. 200 against an ailing Minnesota Twins roster.
The second-inning blast was the only run to be had, as Tigers pitcher Matt Boyd and Twins starter Ricky Nolasco were both riveting to watch.
Close games can often be defined by one swing of the bat, and Upton made sure he was the guy who got it done.
Henrik Stenson Wins the 2016 British Open
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Who: Henrik Stenson
When: July 17, 2016 British Open
Henrik Stenson outlasted Phil Mickelson and secured his first-ever major at the 2016 British Open. Shooting 20 under, Stenson was able to figure out Royal Troon's course, using calculated drives and smart approaches to win the title.
He was clutch enough to win the British Open. Outworking Mickelson—a seasoned pro—was icing on the proverbial cake.
Steve Elling's piece for Bleacher Report called the showdown an "instant classic." He was right. Watching Stenson lift the Claret Jug was a lesson in clutch.
Adam Lind Turns into a Hero
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Who: Seattle Mariners first baseman Adam Lind
When: July 18 vs. Chicago White Sox
Adam Lind made sure clutch hitting wasn't reserved strictly for starters. His pinch-hit home run in the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox shocked the American League Central club.
It wasn't even a solo shot. Lind blasted a three-run drive, giving the Mariners a 4-3 win over the Sox. The victory gave Seattle a statistical boost as well, pushing the club over the .500 mark with a 47-46 record.
Where we go from here is anyone's guess. All that is certain is Lind's timely piece of hitting was a clutch moment Mariners fans can embrace as they look forward to the second half of the season.
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Denzel Valentine Hits a Summer League Game-Winner
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Who: Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine
When: July 18, NBA Las Vegas Summer League final vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The NBA's annual Vegas Summer League wrapped up when Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine doused a game-winning jumper as the clock expired in overtime.
It was a critical shot that showcased Valentine's clutch gene and also gave the Bulls the 2016 Vegas Summer League crown. The former Michigan State guard, wearing No. 45, stepped into a situation and thrived.
Per usual, this year's Vegas Summer League was a nice preview of the 2016-17 NBA season.
Alex Rodriguez Inches Closer to Home Run No. 700
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Who: New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez
When: July 18 vs. Baltimore Orioles
Alex Rodriguez's career has been embroiled in controversy, and the New York Yankees have endured the brunt of it. But on July 18, he inched closer to history, belting the 696th home run of his career.
The home run also helped the Yanks beat the Baltimore Orioles, 2-1, as they attempt to claw their way to the top of the American League East.
Timely hitting from A-Rod was enough to drive the Yankees ahead. Even if it was for a day, it was nice to see No. 13 back to his old ways.
Dean Ambrose Hangs on to the WWE Championship
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Who: WWE Champion Dean Ambrose
When: July 19
Two consecutive nights of Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins led to a pair of beautiful, engaging matches. To end WWE's brand extension draft, SmackDown Live featured a rematch between The Lunatic Fringe and Rollins.
The stakes were set high, as the WWE Championship was on the line. In the end, Ambrose prevailed, putting his finisher on Rollins and rolling him up for a three-count.
Ambrose's win sets up a triple-threat match at WWE's Battleground between himself, Rollins and Roman Reigns. Regardless of who leaves as champion, Ambrose's clutch performance was a great way to launch this new era of WWE.
New York Mets Closer Jeurys Familia Gets Himself out of Trouble
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Who: New York Mets pitcher Jeurys Familia
When: July 19 vs. Chicago Cubs
The New York Mets faced a dilemma when the Chicago Cubs' hitters went out and loaded the bases in the ninth inning.
Luckily for them, after working himself into a tough situation, Familia found solace in the form of a double play. The Associated Press' recap (h/t ESPN.com) noted it was Cubs star Kris Bryant who grounded into the 5-4-3 double play.
It was an important moment for Familia. Notching save No. 33 on the year was big as the Mets attempt to make second-half push toward the postseason.
Remember, this team was in the World Series last year. Winning close games like this further enhances the "we've been here before" mentality. Familia deserves credit for regaining his composure and sealing a Mets victory.
Mick Foley and Stephanie McMahon Turn WWE Raw into a Powerhouse
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Who: Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley
When: July 19
WWE's brand extension wasn't just about Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins. When it came to breaking down each roster and drafting WWE Superstars, Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley gave Raw a boost.
Each member of Team Raw drafted smart, securing names like Rollins, Reigns, Cesaro, Finn Balor and plenty of others in order to elevate the product.
There's still plenty of time to go before each show gets fleshed out. But if the draft was any indication of where things are headed, Foley and McMahon did a great job branding their flagship show.
Albert Pujols Turns Back the Clock
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Who: Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols
When: July 19 vs. Texas Rangers
Albert Pujols did his best "turn back the clock" impression against the Texas Rangers on July 19. Using his power as a tool of good, the Los Angeles Angels DH slammed a pair of three-run homers into the stands.
His aggressive output at the plate helped fuel an 8-6 win for the Angels. It was the fifth straight win for the club—a win that belonged to King Pujols.
After launching two balls into the grand stands, the longtime slugger was hit in the helmet by a pitch in the seventh inning. Thankfully, he rose to feet after taking the hit and strolled to first base.
Moments like this make you remember how surreal his career has been. Few hitters resemble Pujols, and on a warm summer night in July, he reminded all of us why.
Christian Yelich Does It All for the Miami Marlins
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Who: Miami Marlins left fielder Christian Yelich
When: July 19 vs. Philadelphia Phillies
One man was responsible for all of the runs produced during the Miami Marlins' recent clash with the Philadelphia Phillies. That man was left fielder Christian Yelich.
Yelich has enjoyed a nice season, batting .318 with eight home runs and 51 RBI. He's developing as a crucial piece to the Marlins' long-term plans, being only 24 years old.
Against the Phillies, Yelich drove in two runs—including a game-winning single in the 10th inning of play. His clutch production fueled a 2-1 win for the Marlins and continued to elevate them over the .500 mark.
This team is starting to look like an outside contender with weapons like Yelich and Giancarlo Stanton on the field.
All stats, box scores and information via Sports-Reference.com, unless noted otherwise.
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