Lost in the aftermath of another walk-off victory for the Blue Jays was the show Travis Snider put on in left field on Saturday. The rookie outfielder made a trio of stellar plays that proved critical in Toronto claiming a 5-4 win over Baltimore in 11 innings.
Snider's performance was a testament to how far he has come defensively, learning the ins and outs of left field after years spent in the opposite corner. Not only that, but it was a satisfying showing for the young player, who has been laboring in the batter's box of late.
"It's not usually the part of the game I'm used to contributing in," Snider said on Sunday. "For me, given the situation, I've had to make some adjustments in my game and the kind of player that I am, knowing that offensively I haven't been swinging the bat as well as I'd like to."
In the extra-inning win over the Orioles, Snider's slump persisted with an 0-for-5 afternoon. Entering Sunday, the left-handed-swinging rookie had posted a .179 average with no home runs and just two RBIs over his past 12 games.
It has been a rough skid for Snider -- a talented 21-year-old hitter -- but he was able to use his arm and his glove to help Toronto to a win on Saturday.
"He had a great day out there," Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said. "He made some great defensive plays out there -- probably saved the game for us a couple of times out there."
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