NEWSLETTER
I love the new extra-innings rule! … but only because the Cubs used it to walk this one off! Eventually!
It was our first taste of the start-with-a-runner-on-second-base rule, and the Cubs managed to get out of the top of the 10th without a run scoring thanks in large part to Kyle Schwarber’s big arm:
7-2 putout to lead off the 10th! pic.twitter.com/DxABlG2g90
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 2, 2020
Don’t run on Kyle Schwarber, folks. Also, good job on Willson Contreras for tracking the throw and holding on post-collision (yes, you are allowed to block the runner if the throw takes you, naturally, into his lane).
Then, in the bottom of the 10th, it was the Cubs’ first turn at things. After a leadoff walk to Ian Happ with Steven Souza, Jr. on second base, Nico Hoerner got jobbed on a “swing” call by the home plate umpire (he was squaring to bunt but pulled back), but Souza took the moment to steal third. Very heads up moment. Still, Hoerner wound up striking out, followed by fellow “contact” guy Albert Almora striking out. David Bote then popped up to end the Cubs’ half of the 10th.
In the top of the 11th, it was Javy Báez’s turn to cut down the lead runner – a little less exciting than Schwarber’s, but still a nice play on a chopper and a throw to third. Jeremy Jeffress finished the inning from there, and this time the Cubs didn’t mess around in the bottom of the 11th.
Báez came up with David Bote at third and one out, and for reasons I will never understand, the Pirates decided to pitch to him instead of setting up a possible double play. Javy made them pay:
Javy walk off. Sweep. Best record in the league. pic.twitter.com/VlzPdUEoks
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) August 2, 2020
Gotta love the socially-distant walk-off celebration:
Social distance celly pic.twitter.com/NDT0vX3KNb
— Ⓜ️arcusD ▶️ (@_MarcusD3_) August 2, 2020
