Watch: Bunt turns into Little League home run for BlueClaws

High-A baseball looked like Little League for one play this weekend in Lakewood, New Jersey.

When Nick Ward laid down a bunt in the fifth inning of the first half of a Jersey Shore BlueClaws doubleheader on Saturday, it appeared like a routine out was in store. But, as they say, good things happen when you put the ball in play, and an usual trip around the bases took place when Brooklyn attempted to field the ball.

A home run (sort of) from Nick Ward ties the game at 2 in the fifth (of seven)! pic.twitter.com/pe1d6B6kzP

— Jersey Shore BlueClaws (@BlueClaws) June 3, 2023

Ward tapped the ball to the left of the pitcher’s mound, where right-hander Tyler Stuart cleanly fielded, then fired off-target and into foul territory in right field. Ward dashed from first, rounded second and headed to third, where he again seemed destined to be put out. But a low throw from right fielder Jaylen Palmer kicked into foul ground on the third base side, allowing the runner to come home and tie the game.

Jersey Shore went on to win, 3-2, before adding another victory by the same score to sweep the doubleheader against the Cyclones at ShoreTown Ballpark. After dropping the series finale on Sunday, the BlueClaws sit at 27-23, good for second place in the South Atlantic League’s North division.

Ward, a 27-year-old infielder out of West Chester, has been solid in his first year in the Phillies organization. He has a .792 OPS in 45 games while playing third base, first base and shortstop. And while Ward has added five home runs for Jersey Shore this season, it’ll be Saturday’s round-tripper that sticks out most.

MORE FROM PHILLIES NATION

1. Phillies 2023 Walk-Up Songs
2. Underperforming Veterans — Not Rob Thomson — Are Biggest Issue For Phillies
3. As Tigers Come To Town, Phillies Look Like Clear Winners Of Offseason Trades
4. Jean Segura Having Nightmarish First Season With Marlins
5. As Trade Deadline Approaches, What Are The 3 Biggest Needs For The Phillies?
6. Even With His Mom Booing, Trea Turner Delivers The Biggest Hit Of The Phillies Season
7. What’s Your Favorite Phillies Uniform? Bryce Harper & More Give Their Picks
8. Phillies Add Rob Thomson Elf Bobblehead Giveaway To Theme Night Schedule
9. Gregory Soto Is Having A Bizarre First Season With The Phillies
10. Kody Clemens Is Embracing His Newfound Opportunity In A ‘Wild’ 2023