GIF: Russell Martin Guns Down David Lough with an Incredible Throw

Do not run on Russell Martin; by now, you’d think would-be basestealers would know not to do so. But competitors continue to test Martin’s arm, and time and time again, he makes them pay for it.

So far this season, Russell Martin has nailed 13 baserunners and allowed only 14 stolen bases, a 48% caught stealing percentage.

Last night, Russell Martin featured a particularly impressive throw to nail David Lough at second base. In fact, Lough was nearly halfway to second base before Martin even got the ball, and he still managed to throw him out.

Lough was nearly halfway to second base before Russell Martin even got the ball. But he threw him out anyway. pic.twitter.com/70rEvRi0Z0

— Ian Hunter (@BlueJayHunter) May 14, 2015

In all fairness, Lough’s slide wasn’t the best; it looks like he put the brakes on a little bit too early. Regardless, Martin’s throw from behind the plate was perfect to Devon Travis. But it was courteous of Martin to give Lough a running head start.

Just as a comparison, last year Dioner Navarro threw out 15 of 73 baserunners or 21% total. So far in 2015, Russell Martin has thrown out 13 of 27 baserunners or an incredible 48% caught stealing percentage.

This season, Russell Martin alone has cut down the running game against the Blue Jays nearly in half.

Image via Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images Sport