White Sox: Odd soccer flop happened during game at Tampa Bay

Baseball is the best game on the planet and even when teams aren’t doing well, like the Chicago White Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays, fun can still be had.

At the expense of White Sox pitcher, Carlos Rodon, some serious fun was had.

And, even with the silliness that ensued, the White Sox added another win to make it three in a row.

First, the fun. The moment was in the bottom of the sixth. Rodon was on the mound and the Rays had one runner, Matt Duffy, on third. Rodon needed to get one more out. And, at the time the score was tied 1-1.

Carlos Gomez approached the plate. He had already recorded a hit and a run in the second inning. Over the years, Gomez has been a tough out to get, but the reasons why have changed. In 2017, he led the league in being hit by pitches. He earned 19 free bases after being plunked by pitchers. And, this season, he’s on his way for a personal record. He’s also ready leading the AL and he entered Saturday’s game with 16 free bases due to being hit by pitches.

So, after a 3-2 count, Gomez crowded the plate. And, Rodon pitched inside, hitting Gomez. Make that #17 for Gomez.

And, clearly, Gomez had big plans for his 17th HBP. The HBP was a no-doubter as it hit him in the back near the lower ribs. But, Gomez wasn’t going for anything small here. He took a step, had a thought, and artfully collapsed on the ground and rolled from his back to his front. Then, he got up with a big grin and took first base.

Here’s a Twitter video from the Rays for your viewing pleasure:

This is the kind of stuff that makes old-school baseball fans angry but brings young fans to the game.