Top Clutch Performances of the Week
This week's rendition of top clutch performances takes us on a voyage throughout the confusing world of sports.
We're talking about Major League Baseball walk-offs, U.S. Open upsets, a shocking night of professional wrestling, life without Tony Romo and so much more. The common thread between all of the slides you're about to indulge in is they all embody some form of clutch.
With our clutch hats spun backwards and our eyes glued to the screen, let's spring right into the list.
Yoenis Cespedes Hits a Walk-off Winner in Style
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Who: New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes
When: August 29 vs. Miami Marlins
The return of Yoenis Cespedes has provided a tremendous jolt for the New York Mets. Since he's emerged from the disabled list, the Mets have posted an 8-2 record.
As they climb back into the National League postseason hunt, Cespedes has turned his plate appearances into a thing of beauty. The Miami Marlins found this out the hard way.
In the 10th inning of a tie game, Cespedes blasted a walk-off solo shot off of Nick Wittgren. He dotted the blast with a gargantuan bat flip.
This home run was significant. Besides being insanely clutch, Cespedes' blast also pulled the Mets even closer in the 2016 wild-card race.
Kyle Edmund Sends Richard Gasquet Packing
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Who: Kyle Edmund
When: August 29, U.S. Open 2016 vs. Richard Gasquet
Wearing a neon green shirt, British tennis sensation Kyle Edmund pulled off a huge first-round upset by defeating 13th-seeded Richard Gasquet in straight sets.
The 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 showing was alarmingly impressive. It proved Edmund could hang with the big dogs on tour, thanks to a powerful forehand.
Edmund was able to keep Gasquet's backhand at bay, using his crisp forehand to move the veteran Frenchman all over the hard surface. When you can hit your shots with precision, power and accuracy, it's tough to lose.
Major congratulatory waves go out to Edmund. The 21-year-old relied on a clutch performance in order to take down a fantastic player.
Triple H Changes the Course of RAW
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Who: Triple H
When: August 29
With WWE left picking up the pieces after Finn Balor was forced to relinquish the Universal Championship due to an injury, RAW attempted to crown a new champion on August 29.
The Fatal 4-Way contest featured Big Cass, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens. After Cass was eliminated early on, the bout moved into a three-way dance.
Triple H emerged from nowhere—he hasn't been seen since WrestleMania—to deliver a pedigree to Reigns. He forced Rollins to cover the Big Dog, resulting in elimination.
When it looked like Rollins was about to win the strap, Triple H suddenly turned on his longtime friend and buried him with a pedigree. This allowed Owens to capitalize and win the Universal Championship.
Triple H's return was clutch, riveting and made for a strong night of television.
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Miguel Montero Ends a Crazy Regular-Season Game
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Who: Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Montero
When: August 29 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Extra-inning games can either be super exciting or a total drag. Somehow, the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates long-term battle turned out to be a little bit of a both.
The game was a lengthy one. It lasted 13 innings and went slightly over the five-hour mark, per ESPN's Bradford Doolittle. A back-and-forth affair, that felt like it went on forever, turned into backup catcher Miguel Montero driving a single over the Pirates' defense in the bottom of the 13th.
The hit scored Cubs stalwart Kris Bryant for an 8-7 win.
Timing aside, Montero's hit was a testament to the Cubs' will. This team is talented and focused—a good combination for a World Series push.
The San Diego Chargers Finally Sign Joey Bosa
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Who: San Diego Chargers and Joey Bosa
When: August 29
It took forever, but the San Diego Chargers and first-round pick Joey Bosa finally reached an agreement. The two sides came together and made sure the uber-talented edge-rusher was locked in to the sunny skies of Southern California.
Bosa's deal is worth $25.8 million over four years, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The contract also appears to be totally guaranteed, as Rapoport pointed out.
It seems like good business on both ends of the floor, giving San Diego a magnetic edge player and Bosa a lucrative rookie deal. Hopefully this clutch move pans out for both sides involved down the road.
John Isner Fights His Way Back
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Who: John Isner
When: August 29, U.S. Open 2016 vs. Frances Tiafoe
John Isner barely escaping the wrath of fellow American Frances Tiafoe resulted in the best match from the initial round of the U.S. Open.
The battle was hard fought on both sides. The 18-year-old Tiafoe attempted to put the brakes on Isner's 2016 run, using athleticism and timely shots to take a two-set lead. But the lanky and overpowering Isner mustered enough will to strike back.
After going down 3-6, 4-6, the 6'10" Isner turned things around. He won the final three sets, 7-6, 6-2, 7-6, using his dominant serve to win two tiebreakers.
Seeing Tiafoe get bounced by the heavy serve of Isner was a reminder of how lethal he can be. When—and it doesn't happen often—he puts it all together, Isner has a shot to beat anybody in the world.
Tanner Roark Turns in Another Gem
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Who: Washington Nationals pitcher Tanner Roark
When: August 29 vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Tanner Roark pitched himself another clutch gem against the Philadelphia Phillies on August 29.
The Washington Nationals starter was firing on all cylinders from the jump, fanning five batters over seven scoreless innings of play. Roark's 14th win of the season also resulted in the Nationals' NL East-leading 76th.
This team is starting to look more and more like a legit postseason threat, especially if they can get continued production from guys like Roark. His 2.87 ERA and 139 strikeouts are Cy Young-worthy numbers.
Dak Prescott Prepares for Life Without Tony Romo
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Who: Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott
When: August 25 vs. Seattle Seahawks
Tony Romo's ongoing plight with injuries continued against the Seattle Seahawks on August 25 when he suffered a broken bone in his back after absorbing a tough hit. Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported head coach Jason Garrett later confirmed the news to the press.
ProFootballTalk mentioned Romo could miss anywhere from six to 10 weeks. Clearly, the injury is concerning for Romo's long-term future and the Cowboys' 2016 season.
But if there is one bright spot, rookie QB Dak Prescott will get his chance to shine. Prescott has looked great thus far in the preseason (39-of-50, 454 YDS, 5 TD, 0 INT). ESPN's Bill Barnwell described him as "one of the breakout players of the 2016 preseason."
Prescott has shown poise. He's thrived under pressure, and despite rookie flaws—missing receivers and learning the offense—there's been a lot more good than bad to go around.
It's clutch for Prescott to step up and lead this team. He's either going to push Romo for the starting job, or barely keep this team afloat. Either way, stay tuned to see what happens next.
Rougned Odor Carries the Texas Rangers to a Victory
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Who: Texas Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor
When: August 30 vs. Seattle Mariners
This week's edition of clutch performances apparently loves bat flips. Between Yoenis Cespedes and Texas Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor, our list was full of beautiful walk-off, bat-flipping moments.
Odor's two-run, game-winning blast came in the bottom of the ninth inning, trailing by one. Leaning into a pitch from Mariners closer Edwin Diaz, Odor turned and flipped his bat into the sky, carrying the Rangers to an 8-7 win.
The home run reflects how dangerous this Rangers lineup can be. Come playoff time—assuming they hold on to their 8.5-game division lead—Texas will be tough to stop.
Fabio Fognini Turns Things Around
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Who: Fabio Fognini
When: August 30, U.S. Open 2016 vs. Teymuraz Gabashvili
Fabio Fognini makes watching tennis more like tuning into an episode of professional wrestling. He expresses his frustration through personality, raucous decisions and yelling at officials.
Emotion plays a part big part in Fognini's game, and that was apparent during his opening-round clash with Teymuraz Gabashvili.
Gabashvili got the better of Fognini early on, cruising to a 7-6, 6-3 lead. But somehow, through all of the frustration, the Italian tennis star pushed his way back into contention with a 7-6 third set then tied things up in a 7-5 fourth.
The final set was all about Fognini, winning 6-4. He commanded the court with sound pace and precise shots. It was great to witness such a strong, three-set turnaround.
All stats, box scores and information via Sports-Reference.com, unless noted otherwise.
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