The Chicago Cubs won again today, and, as has become the only way they can win, they did so by coming from behind.
… of course, that came after the Cubs had led in the game, and then given up the lead. Billy Hamilton – who else? – combined with some poor defense to turn a steal of second base into a run and a lead for the Reds in the 5th inning:
Ah yes, your everyday go-ahead (checks notes) steal of second base.#RunBillyRun pic.twitter.com/vJuYAE1boZ
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) July 8, 2018
So much to dislike about that play, from Javy Baez letting the ball get by him, to Albert Almora bobbling it and then taking his time to get to the bobbled ball, to Willson Contreras whiffing on an excellent throw that would have nailed Hamilton at the plate.
But the Cubs got their revenge, re-taking the lead on some crazy baserunning of their own that took advantage of the Reds goofing:
Head in the game. #EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/kUfFboMWya
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 8, 2018
Baez with the hit to tie it, naturally, but then Jason Heyward just straight up abusing the Reds’ casual throw into the infield and catching them sleeping to take the lead.
With Brandon Morrow coming on to close things out in the 9th, the game was totally over, right? Nope. Adam Duvall homered to tie up the game. And then the Cubs had the bases loaded with one out and Javy Baez at the plate in the bottom of the 9th, so it’s an obvious walk-off, right? Nope, an incredible pick at the plate by the catcher got a force out and the game went to extras.
That’s when – after Joey Votto inexplicably bobbled a grounder he’d fielded cleanly and then was about to step on the base – the Cubs managed to finally walk this thing off … literally:
Bote, Bote, Bote, Bote, walkin’ everywhere. #Walkoff pic.twitter.com/t8RXflISi9
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 8, 2018
It’s always very impressive to me when a young hitter can remain patient in a situation like that, knowing that if he can just put the ball in play, the Cubs most likely win. Yet he waited for the right pitch, and it never came.
CUBS WIN A WILD ONE.