NEWSLETTER
Last night the Chicago Cubs loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, down just one run to the New York Mets.
After the Mets closer, Jeurys Familia, got the first out, Kris Bryant – the NL home run leader, 2015 Rookie of the Year, and 2016 MVP Candidate – stepped up to the plate with fire in his belly and courage in his heart … before weakly grounding into a game-ending double play.
I was deflated. A great baseball moment was stolen from us. Luckily, there were still many other highlights from last night, including a big play from that very game. So let’s start there and check in on some of last night’s highlights:
1. The final score of the Mets/Cubs game from Tuesday was just 2-1; however, the Cubs nearly scored an additional run earlier in the game. In the bottom of the fourth inning the 2015 NL Cy Young winner, Jake Arrieta, hit a two-out double to keep the inning alive. Then, one batter later, Tommy La Stella hit a line-drive single into right field and the Cubs third base coach sent Arrieta screaming around third, aiming for home. Unfortunately, for the Cubs, Mets right fielder Michael Conforto made an amazing 94.3 MPH to get Arrieta at home. It saved a run and maybe saved the game. Check it out:
Your browser does not support iframes.
2. Before becoming one of the best overall shortstops in the Major Leagues, Francisco Lindor was one of the best known prospects around. Recognized, in particular, for his defense, Lindor has continued to shine with the glove in the Major Leagues. As of July 20, Lindor has saved the third most runs as a shortstop and has the second highest overall defensive rating. In other words, he’s good at what he does. Check out his ability to make tough plays look routine:
Your browser does not support iframes.
3. A good middle infield can go a long way in baseball. Your team’s shortstop and second baseman constantly work together and touch the ball more often than anyone outside of the battery. For example of a middle duo that works, check out the smoothness of Freddie Galvis and Cesar Hernandez on a ball hit up the middle:
Your browser does not support iframes.
In today’s “Oh and also,” we have some unusual on-the-field, non-baseball goings on.
What you may have missed:
