WASHINGTON -- The Nationals' defense did its best to keep Game 4 of the World Series close enough to remain interesting with some highlight-reel plays from third baseman Anthony Rendon and outfielders Victor Robles and Juan Soto.
Even though the Nats¡¯ bullpen eventually let the game slip out of hand en route to an 8-1 loss to the Astros on Saturday night, all three players showed why they are a finalist for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award at their respective position.
Robles made an unbelievable diving catch in shallow left-center field to rob Houston's Michael Brantley of a hit for the second out of the fifth inning. It had a 5-percent catch probability, according to Statcast. Robles ran 42 feet in only 2.9 seconds to make the catch. Robles had one 5-star catch (0-25 percent catch probability) in the regular season, when he led the big leagues with +21 Outs Above Average.
Robles then ran down a ball that Robinson Chirinos hit to left-center field for the second out of the sixth. It was a 3-star catch with a 55-percent catch probability. He ran 66 feet in 4.1 seconds to make the play.
Rendon made a fantastic diving catch on a ball that Yuli Gurriel scorched up the third-base line with runners at the corners and one out in the first inning. One run scored and Gurriel reached first for a single, but Rendon prevented a double and Alex Bregman from possibly scoring all the way from first base. Nationals starter Patrick Corbin allowed two runs in the inning, instead of three.
Rendon later robbed Jos¨¦ Altuve of an extra-base hit with a diving stop to start the third inning. He threw him out for the first out.
The game was already well in the Astros' favor in the ninth, but Soto saved a run with a throw from left field. Chirinos tried to score from second base on a one-out single by Jake Marisnick, but Soto fired a strike to home to prevent the run. It was his first outfield assist of the year.