The emphatic fist-pump after an inning-ending out is often a pitcher’s trademark. Marlins’ righty Chad Qualls still has some work to do on that front.
Qualls eluded trouble against the Mets in the eigth inning Tuesday after he struck out Omar Quintanilla on a check-swing to keep the game tied 2-2.
It was the perfect moment for Qualls to relinquish a killer jab to the sky until his feet buckled, turning his shining moment into a stumbling somersalt celebration.
Qualls shared a good laugh afterward with his teammates about it, probably embarassed and relieved his mishap didn’t turn into an injury.
This wasn’t a fluke though. Last year pitching for the Phillies in a game against Baltimore, Qualls threw over to first, slipped, and landed flat on his back.
Maybe some sharper cleats are in order?