Video: Runner avoids tag at home plate
See a Derrek Johnson get crafty and get called safeDerrek Johnson of
Snohomish (Wash.) is called "DJ Wiggles" by his teammates, according to TJ Cotterill of the Tacoma Tribune.
Johnson sure lived up to his nickname against Emerald Ridge in the first round of the Washington Class 4A state tournament this past Saturday.
Snohomish had the bases loaded with two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning of a scoreless game. The stakes were huge, and Johnson became trapped in a rundown between third base and home.
Emerald Ridge catcher Dominik Zombik caught the ball at home plate with Johnson mere feet away. Zombik charged forward and Johnson seemingly had no chance to escape.
But Johnson somehow pulled a Houdini maneuver, dipped his entire body to the dirt and spun free of the tag. Johnson dashed home and was called safe.
Snohomish utilized the momentum-shifting play to top Emerald Ridge 2-0. Unfortunately for the Panthers, their season ended with a loss to Woodinville in the next round.
