With the score tied in the bottom of the ninth, he represented the eventual winning run that would give the Indians a 1-0 victory. Tampa Bay center fielder Kevin Kiermaier's robust right arm represented what could stop Perez from reaching home safely.
The ball came off David Murphy's bat and into Kiermaier's glove. Of course. Perez broke for home. Murphy's stomach dropped a bit. Indians manager Terry Francona said it felt like his catcher's legs got shorter with each step towards home.
The throw beat Perez to the plate. He thought he was out.