Reds' Suarez Tries to Catch Teammate's Bat Flip in WBC

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In a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game between Venezuela and Japan, Cincinnati Reds player Eugenio Suarez tried to catch the bat that his teammate Wilyer Abreu had flipped high into the air after hitting a go-ahead home run for Team Venezuela. Suarez's attempt to field the falling bat with his bare hands left many Reds fans concerned for his safety, though he appeared unharmed after giving Abreu a high-five.

Why it matters

Bat flips and celebrations have become a point of debate in baseball, with some fans and players seeing them as disrespectful while others view them as an exciting part of the game. Suarez's attempt to catch Abreu's bat flip highlights the risks players sometimes take in the heat of the moment.

The details

After Abreu hit a home run to give Venezuela a 7-5 lead in the 6th inning, he flipped his bat high into the air. Suarez, Abreu's Reds teammate, tried to catch the falling bat with his bare hands, drawing concerned reactions from fans who worried he could be injured.

• The incident occurred during the 6th inning of the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game between Venezuela and Japan on March 15, 2026.