Looking Back: Memorable Brewers Defensive Plays of 2016

2016 is almost over, and we’re taking a look at some of the most memorable moments provided by the Milwaukee Brewers in the past year. Yesterday, we looked back at the longest home runs of the year. The Brewers hit quite a few home runs in 2016, but they were also capable of flashing a little leather. These are a handful of the most memorable defensive plays the Brewers made in the past season.

4/29/16 - Hill/Rivera/Carter Triple Play

Sometimes the biggest component in a defensive play is luck. With two on and nobody out, Zach Davies got Marcell Ozuna to hit a grounder almost directly to third base, allowing Aaron Hill to scoop and step on third, fire to Yadiel Rivera covering second, who relayed to Chris Carter at first to complete the trifecta.

7/4/16 - Villar Runs a Mile

We saw a few of these from Jonathan Villar when he was at shortstop in 2016, but none were quite as impressive as this one. With the Brewers clinging onto a 1-0 lead over the Nationals on the 4th of July, Villar made this sliding grab after a dead sprint to record the final out of the 8th inning. It's worth noting that Ben Revere was hitting on this play, so Villar likely prevented a bloop double that would've put the tying run in scoring position with this play.

8/2/16 - Braun Lays Out, Loses His Belt

Like the Villar play, Ryan Braun had to go a long way to make an inning-ending grab. StatCast says he ran more than 71 feet with a top speed of 19 miles per hour to make this head-first stab. He hit the ground with such force his belt came apart.

9/7/16 - Broxton.

Anthony Rizzo (and Brian Anderson) thought he tied the game when he hit a deep fly ball off Tyler Thornburg with one out in the 9th. Then Keon Broxton did his best Carlos Gomez impression, pulling back the would-be game-tying home run -- and doing some Gomez-style preening after the catch.

9/23/16 - Another Triple Play

Who says Chris Carter can't play the field? Alright, probably every defensive metric known to man, but he was able to make the quick stab to start off another triple play. In a funny twist, Zach Davies was on the mound for both of the Brewers' triple plays this year.

What were some of your favorite defensive plays of 2016?