Baseball star’s direct hit goes viral

A baseballer’s tomfoolery with fans has created one of the most ridiculous videos of the year and sealed his status as a local legend.

Austin Dean was on fire.

Miami Marlins left fielder Austin Dean proved he’s a chip off the old block.

During Friday night’s game against the Washington Nationals, Dean showed off his arm — and aim — when he threw a ball at a fan’s beer can pyramid. Amazingly he left standing the pyramid and only knocked off the top can with a perfect toss from the outfield.

The Sporting News reported that Dean’s feat was enough to secure legendary status among drunk fans watching a 53-100 baseball team.

The new outlet calculated Dean’s toss travelled more than six metres but what was most impressive was how casual he made it look.

SHOOTERS SHOOT. pic.twitter.com/hl4obpSYok

— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) September 21, 2019

At least Marlins fans had something to cheer on the night. The team lost to the Nats 6-4 on Sunday (AEST) — but rebounded dramatically on the back of Dean’s heroics to snap their 11-match losing streak against the Nationals on Monday.

Miami’s 5-3 win averted a three-game sweep.

Dean started the Marlins’ comeback by leading off the seventh with his fifth homer against Hunter Strickland. Following a hit batsman and a walk, Jon Berti hit a two-run double off Suero to put Miami ahead, and Castro’s hit capped the rally.

Austin Dean put on an exhibition.

Washington starting pitcher Austin Voth drove in a run with a single for his first major league hit and left after five innings with a 3-1 lead. The Nationals have lost his past four starts.

Jeff Brigham, helped when left fielder Harold Ramirez robbed Adam Eaton of a hit, pitched a perfect ninth for his first career save.

Starter Pablo Lopez allowed three runs in five innings and remained winless since June 15, before he was sidelined for more than two months by a shoulder injury. The Nationals started the game with three consecutive singles to take a 1-0 lead, but a nifty 3-6-1 double play helped Lopez escape further damage. Washington finished 43-38 on the road.

— with AP

Originally published as Baseball star’s direct hit goes viral