Javier Baez pulls off awesome no-look tag for one of the smoothest plays of the World Baseball Classic

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Javier Baez Tag

MLB

Puerto Rico used stellar pitching and even better defense to hold off the Dominican Republic on Tuesday night at the World Baseball Classic, 3-1. 

In the first inning, the Dominican Republic loaded the bases with one out before Puerto Rico outfielder Eddie Rosario gunned down the runner at home for an inning-ending double play. 

But Puerto Rico's best defensive play of the evening came in the eighth inning, when defensive wizard Javier Baez tagged out Nelson Cruz at second base on a stolen-base attempt - without even looking as he put on the tag.

Much like the NBA's Golden State Warriors, who are known to celebrate teammates' three-pointers while the ball is still in the air, Baez began celebrating the play while the throw from Puerto Rico catcher Yadier Molina was still in the air. 

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Baez also went 0-3 on the night with a run scored. His defensive wizardry, meanwhile, is arguably the most fun thing in baseball today. 

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