In case you haven’t noticed, 32-year-old Dodgers utility outfielder Trayce Thompson has a knack for coming up with clutch hits and/or defensive plays in enormously huge situations; or in the case of the Dodgers 2-1 win over the Miami Marlins in front of a sold out Dodger Stadium crowd of 50,431 on Friday night, both.

In the bottom of the seventh inning and with the Marlins leading 1-0, the Los Angeles, CA native and second-round draft pick in 2009 by the Chicago White Sox out of Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA roped a clutch double down the left field line to score speedy Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts all the way from first base to tie the gave 1-1.

And then, with two outs in the top of the ninth inning, Thompson made a spectacular leaping catch on a ball hit by Marlins designated hitter Nick Fortes in (very) deep right-center field, after which he crashed into the wall for the first out of the top of the ninth inning to rob Fortes of (at least) a double, to preserve the Dodgers 2-1 lead and final score.

“He’s a clutch player,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Thompson postgame. “He’s a guy that’s been around for quite some time and really has an understanding now of who he is as a big league ballplayer. And he just has that ability, really, to slow the game down. Probably in his bloodline.”

The Dodgers skipper was, of course, referring to Thompson’s father Mychel and brother Klay, who played (and play) professional basketball in the NBA respectively.

“I talk to Trayce a lot and I’m just so happy for him and the success he’s having,” said Dodgers All-Star left-hander Tyler Anderson, who, although didn’t factor in the decision, pitched yet another stellar game and lowered his ERA to 2.73 in his (now) 135.1 innings pitched this season. “He’s in a tough spot. He doesn’t get a chance to play every day and it’s awesome to see that. On the bench, we talk every day, and he just stays locked in, stays ready for whatever it’s going to be. If it’s a pinch-hit in the seventh and then he goes out and plays defense, or if he starts, I feel like he does a really good job staying in the moment.”

As for Thompson himself, the 6′-3″ / 225-pound utility outfielder was yet again humble when asked about his clutch hit and defensive play.

“That’s why you prepare before the game,” Thompson told reporters after his team’s MLB-best 82nd win of the season. “Batting practice for an outfielder is the biggest thing, in my opinion. And I feel like Doc’s done a good job. I mean, Doc’s been running me out there quite a bit. So, you know, I feel like I was prepared.”

In other words, without a Trayce, the Dodgers are a good team.

…but with a Trayce, they are an exceptionally good team.

Play Ball!

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