Max Muncy’s single off a 103-mph fastball was a rare triumph for the human mind

LOS ANGELES — Cardinals pitcher Jordan Hicks was perplexed.
The fastball left his hand at 103.3 mph, quicker than any of his first five pitches to Max Muncy on Monday night. Muncy extended his bat over the plate, defensively, protecting the outside corner as if anyone could discern the difference between a ball and strike at such a speed. Muncy did more than protect the plate – he poked a line drive into left field, where it landed 191 feet from home plate for an RBI single. It was t