Addison Russell had a huge night last night. Not only did he go 3-4 with two doubles and make sparkling plays in the field, he gave the Cubs their walk-off win over the Nationals.
Watch him go with the pitch the other way with authority:
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Denard Span probably could have gotten a slightly better jump to give himself a slim chance at that one, but it looked like he was surprised at just how far it was hit and how well it carried. Russell has himself some power – earlier in the game, he ripped a double to left so hard and low that it would have been a double to the base of the wall whether the wind was blowing in or out.
Russell was also making great defensive plays throughout the night, some subtle, some less so – like this diving stop and throw. He’s so quick at the transition from ground to throwing, and he does it so well for a guy new to second base.
On the year, Russell is hitting .252/.301/.426 (.318 wOBA, 97 wRC+), and his BABIP (.382) and K rate (35.8%) keep creeping down while the overall production improves. In short, he’s getting better and better at the plate.