PITTSBURGH -- The ball came off Tyler O'Neill's bat and descended into shallow center field last Wednesday at Busch Stadium. Trevor Williams rushed to back up home plate. Starling Marte, unable to make the play, stretched out his arms. But Adam Frazier dashed back from second base and made an over-the-shoulder catch, saving at least one run in the Pirates' 2-0 win over the Cardinals.
It was a highlight-reel play, as easy to appreciate as the video-game offensive numbers Frazier has put up since returning from Triple-A on July 25 -- and just one example of Frazier's improved confidence in the field lately.