When Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jackson Jobe fired a blistering sinker inside to jam up Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette, it caught Tigers play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti completely off guard. Bichette swung and missed at the wicked 97-mph pitch, striking out to end the second inning before Benetti even had time to react.
The sheer surprise of the pitch led to one of Benetti’s most animated and unforgettable calls.
“Oh my goodness, a lightning bolt directly at Bichette,” Benetti exclaimed on the FanDuel Sports Network Detroit broadcast. “That’ll activate your nervous system. … Anybody have an exorcist?”
Jobe put together a solid performance Sunday, tossing six innings while allowing six hits, two earned runs, and striking out five. Benetti had a busy day in the booth as well—Jobe’s nasty strikeout wasn’t even the first time he shouted “Oh my goodness!” during the game.
In the bottom of the first, Tigers left fielder Akil Baddoo made a pair of spectacular catches in quick succession, ending the inning and helping Jobe escape early trouble. Benetti was just as enthusiastic about those plays.
The Tigers edged out the Blue Jays 3–2 on Sunday to win the three-game weekend series. After all the action and high drama, Benetti might need a break following such a thrilling weekend on the mic.
