Denzel Clarke delivered an extraordinary defensive play on Monday, showcasing his talent and agility by robbing a home run at Angel Stadium, although the Athletics ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Angels, 7-4. In the first inning, Clarke tracked what appeared to be an easy solo home run by Nolan Schanuel deep in center field. As he approached the wall, he climbed nearly over it to make a stunning catch that left Schanuel and others astonished.
This remarkable feat follows closely on the heels of another impressive play made by Clarke just days earlier. On Friday in Sacramento, he launched himself into the outfield wall while making a catch at Sutter Health Park, although that collision appeared more painful. Fortunately, Clarke emerged unscathed from both instances.
As a newcomer to the MLB, having only played in 16 games for the Athletics since being called up from their Triple-A affiliate earlier this season, the 25-year-old outfielder has already made a significant impact. Before this game, he held a .224 batting average with one home run and three RBI since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 MLB Draft from Cal State Northridge.
Despite Clarke’s heroics, the game saw the Angels maintain control, scoring three runs in the third inning with a series of RBI singles, followed by a solo homer from Jo Adell in the fourth. The Athletics got on the scoreboard with a two-run shot by JJ Bleday in the eighth, but it was too late to change the outcome. The defeat marked a challenging point for the A’s, bringing their season record to 26-42.
Clarke’s early performances have already made him a fan favorite, and if his thrilling catches are an indication, he is poised for a promising career ahead in Major League Baseball. With two potential candidates for Catch of the Year at such an early stage, Clarke is undoubtedly a player to watch.