I’m not going to jinx anything by saying the Cubs are up big early in this one, but they do have something of a lead thanks in part to a great defensive play by Addison Russell, as well as a great slide. Of course, if the incorrect call stood on each of those plays initially, the Cubs would have fewer runs and the Cardinals might be on the board.
First, the Cubs were putting together a dink-and-dunk rally in the second when Tyler Chatwood laid down a bunt to try to score Addison Russell from third. It worked, though a replay was required to get the call right:
.@Cubs challenge call that Addison Russell is out at HP in the 2nd; call overturned, runner is safe.
Powered by @Mitel. pic.twitter.com/enc1nGAex4
— MLB Replay (@MLBReplays) May 5, 2018
Second, Russell made a beautiful diving stop in the bottom of the frame with the Cardinals trying to put together an answer, and with a nice stretch from Javy Baez, they got the out. Again, it required a replay to get it right:
Smooth moves. pic.twitter.com/pSmDV8qhDa
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 5, 2018
Beautiful play. Correct call. Go Cubs.